It wasn't made too obvious that this is a reprint of "Thunder and Roses". Having read both years apart, I didn't seem as though it had been rewritten or edited a great deal beyond a new title and a new cover.
Nicholas Davies is an earl now, but he can't escape his Gypsy blood. He is determined to put the past behind him, but first he must settle the fate of his ancestral home. After years of neglect, the estate is in shambles and Clare Morgan, the village's school teacher, wants to do something about it. She insists the Earl must remedy the situation. To get rid of her, the Earl agrees on one condition that he thinks Clare will refuse: she must live with him for three months and forfeit her reputation as a respectable woman. Clare agrees as long as her reputation is the only thing she loses, she will remain chaste.
This book is part of the Fallen Angels series, and heroes from the other novels in that series make appearances in this book. The tone is about the same and the type of intrigue too. As usual expect a good level of realistic characterisation from Putney. We also have a broody hero, and an understanding heroine who come to know and appreciate one another despite their flaws. The intrigue and emotional conflict are sustained throughout and the climatic unraveling of the plot makes a good end.
A great re-edition for those who had missed on Thunder and Roses, and frankly the updated look of the cover might make it easier to keep on the shelf without blushing!
