Caught also has numerous instances of the word 'shag' and its various forms. But the use of 'okay', for instance, is a particular bugbear for me in historical fiction. Now, to be fair, these things are almost always to be expected and I appreciate dialogue, by necessity, has to be modernised a bit. One of the other things that caused my enjoyment to dip, however, were the odd anachronisms, like the name Brenda, which at the time was confined to the Scottish isles. The plot, meanwhile, is interesting and ticks along pretty well, but I felt there were parts that dragged and the whole thing could benefit from being a smidge shorter (for me, anyway). And the characterisation was strong I especially liked Brenda and Elizabeth, and couldn't quite work out why Robert had disliked the latter on first meeting her. The writing, although having a few niggles, was generally really good. The genre - historical romance with a hint of intrigue - is right up my alley. Until about 40% in, Caught was a solid four for me.

But there are bits of the novel that, if I could rate them separately, would be higher. And, I suppose, my three is probably more like a three and a half. Oh, golly, this is a difficult book to rate. Shots are fired, tears fall, and love conquers all in this remarkable historical romance. When Charmaine discovers proof of Farrington's betrayal, he is forced to choose between friendship and patriotism.

In this realistic tale of historical fiction brimming with wealth and uncertain allegiances, society's obligations draw them together, along with Miss Brooke's constant companion, the timid Miss Brenda Boswell. Without her father's permission for marriage, is Miss Broke ready to relinquish her privileged life for love? Her father, however, wants his daughter to marry for love, not money. Miss Brooke's large dowry tempts both men. Problematically, Charmaine's best friend, Marquis Anthony Farrington, is clandestinely helping fund the American Revolution. Her rescuer, Robert Anderson, Viscount Charmaine, is preoccupied with troubled finances, an ill father, and defense of the Crown. But rumors result, and Miss Brooke finds herself in the center of tawdry gossip. When villainy occurs, an unexpected hero comes to her aid. With proper manners and impeccable breeding, the beautiful Miss Alison Brooke should be the envy of London's 18th-century royal society.

Caught by Christina J. Michaels