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Her Majesty's Secret Servants #3
Recklessly Yours
The Sutherland sisters lead ordinary lives—until their childhood friend, now Queen of England , seeks their assistance in matters requiring the utmost discretion. Then they must become...
Her Majesty's Secret Servants
Holly has always been the reckless Sutherland sister, the one most likely to hitch up her skirts and gallop astride a powerful stallion. Holly's affinity for horses leads Queen Victoria to enlist her help when a prized Thoroughbred colt disappears. To catch the horse thief, Holly must put on her best manners and mingle with Ascot racing society. But her encounters with the dashing Colin Ashworth, Earl of Drayton, threaten her mission. She's powerfully attracted to him, but uncertain she can trust him…
When Colin's father, the duke, left for an extended trip, Colin became responsible for the family's vast estates and the people who live on them. And when a series of calamities struck and were blamed on a centuries-old curse involving the colt, Colin was forced to act. Now, as Holly's growing suspicions threaten to expose the truth about the stolen horse, Colin's head tells him to distance himself. But with his heart, body, and soul all recklessly clamoring for Holly, he finds her impossible to resist...
Her Majesty's Secret Servants
Holly has always been the reckless Sutherland sister, the one most likely to hitch up her skirts and gallop astride a powerful stallion. Holly's affinity for horses leads Queen Victoria to enlist her help when a prized Thoroughbred colt disappears. To catch the horse thief, Holly must put on her best manners and mingle with Ascot racing society. But her encounters with the dashing Colin Ashworth, Earl of Drayton, threaten her mission. She's powerfully attracted to him, but uncertain she can trust him…
When Colin's father, the duke, left for an extended trip, Colin became responsible for the family's vast estates and the people who live on them. And when a series of calamities struck and were blamed on a centuries-old curse involving the colt, Colin was forced to act. Now, as Holly's growing suspicions threaten to expose the truth about the stolen horse, Colin's head tells him to distance himself. But with his heart, body, and soul all recklessly clamoring for Holly, he finds her impossible to resist...
400 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published December 6, 2011
4 people are currently reading
304 people want to read
About the author
Allison Chase
8 books52 followersAllison Chase enjoys a busy life in the South Florida sunshine with her husband of more than twenty-five years and their two wonderful and very talented daughters. Allison is a member of the RWA and the Florida Romance Writers, and in large part credits both organizations for her success as a romance author. Originally from New England, she grew up with a deep appreciation for the rich history of her surroundings, and admits that, If living in the past is a bad thing, then Ive been bad all my life! She and her family love to travel, especially throughout the British Isles and Ireland, and shes never happier than when exploring historic sites such as castle ruins, ancient abbeys, or the rambling gardens of old country manors. Readers can visit Allison at www.allisonchase.com."
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
February 7, 2012
I loved this series and this book was no exception. Well written, fast paced and both Colin and Holly were believable characters who's feelings and actions were realistic and endearing.
In her finale, we find the Sutherland sisters racing to Ascot in search of a missing horse. The Queen's request puts Holly face to face with Colin, one of Simon's friends, whom she previously found herself attracted to and confused by his off putting demeanor, holding her at arms length while being friendly with her sisters.
The story starts out quickly and sparks fly between Colin and Holly. He suspects she may be searching for the missing Colt, and she wishes to confide in him. But before she can, Colin races away, leaving Holly to catch up with him. As if the blight in Devon wasn't enough, toss in the colt being stolen from Colin and Holly, Holly almost drowning, and the final pieces of the girls history falls into place as the couple rush towards their happily ever after.
I found Colin's backstory very intriguing and thought Ms. Chase did an excellent job of teasing out his family and how devastating his father's behaviors are to them. The symbolism with the curse and how it plagued Devon only to suddenly see it broken and thrive and Colin's family overcoming his father to begin to thrive blended perfectly, bring an optimism to the story that never felt contrived.
While there is not another book in this series, the epilogue leaves the reader with some sense of completion that Willow is on her way to a happily ever after. While I would love to see a full novel with her story, I would be just as happy with a novella seeing what trouble her and Bryce can find their way into
In her finale, we find the Sutherland sisters racing to Ascot in search of a missing horse. The Queen's request puts Holly face to face with Colin, one of Simon's friends, whom she previously found herself attracted to and confused by his off putting demeanor, holding her at arms length while being friendly with her sisters.
The story starts out quickly and sparks fly between Colin and Holly. He suspects she may be searching for the missing Colt, and she wishes to confide in him. But before she can, Colin races away, leaving Holly to catch up with him. As if the blight in Devon wasn't enough, toss in the colt being stolen from Colin and Holly, Holly almost drowning, and the final pieces of the girls history falls into place as the couple rush towards their happily ever after.
I found Colin's backstory very intriguing and thought Ms. Chase did an excellent job of teasing out his family and how devastating his father's behaviors are to them. The symbolism with the curse and how it plagued Devon only to suddenly see it broken and thrive and Colin's family overcoming his father to begin to thrive blended perfectly, bring an optimism to the story that never felt contrived.
While there is not another book in this series, the epilogue leaves the reader with some sense of completion that Willow is on her way to a happily ever after. While I would love to see a full novel with her story, I would be just as happy with a novella seeing what trouble her and Bryce can find their way into
April 3, 2017
Ugh, there's 14 people ahead of me waiting for a copy of this from PBSwap! And I was hoping to order me a copy tonight :\
After a year of waiting on PBSwap, I just went ahead and ordered it from Amazon :p
Read this with a buddy, I really liked the story. Was a nice finish to the series, even if I am a little bummed that Willow doesn't get her own mission and story. Liked the author's writing style quite well, am interested in trying other books on her backlist, though I'm terribly curious as to why it appears she never wrote anything else after this book. Hmm...
Well, full review coming on the way. 3.5 Stars!
After a year of waiting on PBSwap, I just went ahead and ordered it from Amazon :p
Read this with a buddy, I really liked the story. Was a nice finish to the series, even if I am a little bummed that Willow doesn't get her own mission and story. Liked the author's writing style quite well, am interested in trying other books on her backlist, though I'm terribly curious as to why it appears she never wrote anything else after this book. Hmm...
Well, full review coming on the way. 3.5 Stars!
September 17, 2020
When Holly is summoned by Queen Victoria (a childhood friend), she realizes she is being called into service for her country. Her sisters Laurel & Ivy, had each had been called into service which they described risk, danger and fear. Also during that time, they had fallen in love and married shortly after their mission was concluded.
Holly had no desire to marry and therefore a plea to find a stolen Ashworth colt and embark on her own adventure, pleased her to finally be able to be called upon. She was looking forward to the risk, danger, etc. She's required to investigate as herself (her sisters had disguises and aliases. She's to investigate Colin Ainsworth and his friends to see if they know anything or are the culprit(s).
Very enjoyable and surprising story.
Holly had no desire to marry and therefore a plea to find a stolen Ashworth colt and embark on her own adventure, pleased her to finally be able to be called upon. She was looking forward to the risk, danger, etc. She's required to investigate as herself (her sisters had disguises and aliases. She's to investigate Colin Ainsworth and his friends to see if they know anything or are the culprit(s).
Very enjoyable and surprising story.
March 29, 2016
I've enjoyed the adventures of the Sutherland sisters as they secretly help out a young Queen Victoria--Laurel and Ivy not only had tense, urgent missions, but the way they worked with their respective husbands was a treat to read. Colin and Holly however, were less endearing to me.
Colin's attitude and behavior was the main reason why actually. In previous novels there felt an equality and partnership in the pairings. Holly and Colin never quite reached that level to me. Colin spent much of the book 'protecting' Holly's sensibilities for a variety of reasons (he was never at a loss for those). Holly's accusation that he underestimated her resolve and strength of character are the most genuine words spoken. He was so certain that Holly would break under the faintest of hardships that he didn't take the time to get to know her. Never mind that Holly has endured quite a few hardships in her life, or that her sister's (regardless of the 'secret' reason why) lives weren't peaches and cream either. He was bound and determined to keep Holly far, far away from the presumptive horrors to the point where it got to be really irritating. It stopped being 'charming' and 'protective' around the fifth or sixth time he silently consoled himself that he was doing the right thing by not pursuing a long lasting entanglement with her.
Holly was, unlike her twin Ivy or her oldest sister Laurel, headstrong and reckless (hence the title, more apt words never spoken). She doesn't much care what the mission for Victoria is (in fact if it had been to chase down a murderous, wanted criminal she would have been off like a light quicker than you could blink!), only that it means adventure. The fact that it could also lead to a prestigious marriage as well seemed more of an afterthought honestly, and remarked on more often by other characters then Holly herself. She's clever and quick-witted, with a soft heart and an unshakeable belief and loyalty to Victoria that almost borders on the zealous (all the Sutherlands do honestly).
The ongoing sub-arc about the Sutherlands true origins gets a real step up here, becoming much more twined with the main plot then in the previous volumes. We learn a bit more about their parents and their french connections, as well as a surprising amount about a secondary villain from the first book Henri de Vere. It's a bit outrageous and I'm not entirely certain the novels needed that added layer. The fact these girls were Queen Victoria's Secret Servants was plenty enough--the added French Revolution and their parents mysterious deaths muddied the waters. This plot seemed to take precedence in the novel in the latter half, and will likely be a driving force in the fourth book (about the youngest Sutherland Willow).
Review originally posted at Night Owl Reviews
Colin's attitude and behavior was the main reason why actually. In previous novels there felt an equality and partnership in the pairings. Holly and Colin never quite reached that level to me. Colin spent much of the book 'protecting' Holly's sensibilities for a variety of reasons (he was never at a loss for those). Holly's accusation that he underestimated her resolve and strength of character are the most genuine words spoken. He was so certain that Holly would break under the faintest of hardships that he didn't take the time to get to know her. Never mind that Holly has endured quite a few hardships in her life, or that her sister's (regardless of the 'secret' reason why) lives weren't peaches and cream either. He was bound and determined to keep Holly far, far away from the presumptive horrors to the point where it got to be really irritating. It stopped being 'charming' and 'protective' around the fifth or sixth time he silently consoled himself that he was doing the right thing by not pursuing a long lasting entanglement with her.
Holly was, unlike her twin Ivy or her oldest sister Laurel, headstrong and reckless (hence the title, more apt words never spoken). She doesn't much care what the mission for Victoria is (in fact if it had been to chase down a murderous, wanted criminal she would have been off like a light quicker than you could blink!), only that it means adventure. The fact that it could also lead to a prestigious marriage as well seemed more of an afterthought honestly, and remarked on more often by other characters then Holly herself. She's clever and quick-witted, with a soft heart and an unshakeable belief and loyalty to Victoria that almost borders on the zealous (all the Sutherlands do honestly).
The ongoing sub-arc about the Sutherlands true origins gets a real step up here, becoming much more twined with the main plot then in the previous volumes. We learn a bit more about their parents and their french connections, as well as a surprising amount about a secondary villain from the first book Henri de Vere. It's a bit outrageous and I'm not entirely certain the novels needed that added layer. The fact these girls were Queen Victoria's Secret Servants was plenty enough--the added French Revolution and their parents mysterious deaths muddied the waters. This plot seemed to take precedence in the novel in the latter half, and will likely be a driving force in the fourth book (about the youngest Sutherland Willow).
Review originally posted at Night Owl Reviews
December 1, 2011
Recklessly Yours by Allison Chase
Historical Romance –Dec. 6th, 2011
4 ½ stars
As the third in the author’s Her Majesty's Secret Servants, this book is part of a series about sisters whose friendship with a young Queen Victoria allows them to work secretly for the Queen in very delicate missions. This book can be read by itself but it definitely adds having read the adventures of the other two sisters!
In this story, the young and impetuous Holly Sutherland is asked to find a prized colt which the Queen was gifted. The Queen suspects that the colt was switched and believes that Colin Ashworth is the culprit. Holly must pretend she in the market for a horse. But Colin’s charms distract her. Although she slowly begins to suspect he did take the horse, her heart hopes she is wrong.
Colin Ashworth has had a secret tendre for Holly Sutherland but he is expected to marry well and Holly and her sisters are poor orphans. Plus he does not want to expose her to his often vicious father. When she comes snooping he wonders if she might know about the colt he stole. As they grow closer he finds it more and more difficult to hide his actions and his love.
This was a spectacular read. The wealth of interesting characters makes this book and the previous two very involving. It is easy to care for the main characters as well as the secondary characters. This book also has a deep storyline that kept me turning the pages. I was intrigued by the reasons behind Colin stealing back the colt and revelations concerning the Sutherland sister’s past which make for a suspenseful read. I also liked how the author was able to really focus on the main characters and their attraction which really made me feel that they genuinely cared for each other. Often only the heroine is more fully fleshed but in this book I enjoyed that Colin’s family and his dastardly father give him a depth that made him also feel very human. The author also had a few sub stories and I particularly like the budding relationship with Holly’s young sister, Willow and Colin’s younger and scarred brother. (I really hope there will be another book that will include both of them.)
I have followed this series and anyone who loves Regency or Victorian romances will find these books build upon each other and only seem to get better. The sisters are all together delightful and I have cheered as each has found her match. I feel rather sad there is probably only one book left.
If you are looking for a historical series with depth, an involving and smart storyline and engaging sisters this series will not disappoint. Recklessly Yours is definitely a must read!
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
Historical Romance –Dec. 6th, 2011
4 ½ stars
As the third in the author’s Her Majesty's Secret Servants, this book is part of a series about sisters whose friendship with a young Queen Victoria allows them to work secretly for the Queen in very delicate missions. This book can be read by itself but it definitely adds having read the adventures of the other two sisters!
In this story, the young and impetuous Holly Sutherland is asked to find a prized colt which the Queen was gifted. The Queen suspects that the colt was switched and believes that Colin Ashworth is the culprit. Holly must pretend she in the market for a horse. But Colin’s charms distract her. Although she slowly begins to suspect he did take the horse, her heart hopes she is wrong.
Colin Ashworth has had a secret tendre for Holly Sutherland but he is expected to marry well and Holly and her sisters are poor orphans. Plus he does not want to expose her to his often vicious father. When she comes snooping he wonders if she might know about the colt he stole. As they grow closer he finds it more and more difficult to hide his actions and his love.
This was a spectacular read. The wealth of interesting characters makes this book and the previous two very involving. It is easy to care for the main characters as well as the secondary characters. This book also has a deep storyline that kept me turning the pages. I was intrigued by the reasons behind Colin stealing back the colt and revelations concerning the Sutherland sister’s past which make for a suspenseful read. I also liked how the author was able to really focus on the main characters and their attraction which really made me feel that they genuinely cared for each other. Often only the heroine is more fully fleshed but in this book I enjoyed that Colin’s family and his dastardly father give him a depth that made him also feel very human. The author also had a few sub stories and I particularly like the budding relationship with Holly’s young sister, Willow and Colin’s younger and scarred brother. (I really hope there will be another book that will include both of them.)
I have followed this series and anyone who loves Regency or Victorian romances will find these books build upon each other and only seem to get better. The sisters are all together delightful and I have cheered as each has found her match. I feel rather sad there is probably only one book left.
If you are looking for a historical series with depth, an involving and smart storyline and engaging sisters this series will not disappoint. Recklessly Yours is definitely a must read!
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
February 17, 2012
Reviewed for TwoLips Reviews, LLC
4 Kisses, 1 Pepper (M/F, oral sex)
Being Queen Victoria's childhood friends, the Sutherland sisters vowed long ago to help her if she ever needed them. Now Victoria has asked Holly to help her catch a thief. A thoroughbred colt that was a gift from the Ashworth family is missing and presumed stolen. In the course of her investigation, Holly encounters Colin Ashworth, a potential suspect despite the fact that the colt was a gift from his family. Colin's father, the Duke of Masterfield, has gone abroad, leaving him to manage the estate and family affairs. The thing is, Colin did steal the colt. His father should not have given it away in the first place, because it's linked to a curse and a lot depends on him returning the colt to its rightful place.
Colin is powerfully attracted to Holly, not just physically, but intellectually as well. They share a passion for horses, among other things. But he doesn’t want to subject her to his emotionally tumultuous family, especially his impossible-to-please father. So he knows he can’t allow himself to fall in love with her. She’s attracted to him, too. What started out as a grand adventure of secrets and intrigue has turned into a tangle of emotions that make her wish she didn’t have a mission from the queen. The villagers’ belief in an ancient curse is explained in such a way that it makes sense for them psychologically and spiritually. Of course my logical side responded best to the scientific reasons for why the colt is special, but the metaphysical side of the story is also very interesting and compelling, even for this non-believer.
Recklessly Yours will especially appeal to readers who are interested in horses and horse breeding, but even if you aren’t into that sort of thing (and to be honest, I’m not), this is still a very good book, filled with intrigue, passion, and love. I liked both the hero and the heroine very much, and Allison Chase provides a nice set up for Willow’s story, which should be excellent.
4 Kisses, 1 Pepper (M/F, oral sex)
Being Queen Victoria's childhood friends, the Sutherland sisters vowed long ago to help her if she ever needed them. Now Victoria has asked Holly to help her catch a thief. A thoroughbred colt that was a gift from the Ashworth family is missing and presumed stolen. In the course of her investigation, Holly encounters Colin Ashworth, a potential suspect despite the fact that the colt was a gift from his family. Colin's father, the Duke of Masterfield, has gone abroad, leaving him to manage the estate and family affairs. The thing is, Colin did steal the colt. His father should not have given it away in the first place, because it's linked to a curse and a lot depends on him returning the colt to its rightful place.
Colin is powerfully attracted to Holly, not just physically, but intellectually as well. They share a passion for horses, among other things. But he doesn’t want to subject her to his emotionally tumultuous family, especially his impossible-to-please father. So he knows he can’t allow himself to fall in love with her. She’s attracted to him, too. What started out as a grand adventure of secrets and intrigue has turned into a tangle of emotions that make her wish she didn’t have a mission from the queen. The villagers’ belief in an ancient curse is explained in such a way that it makes sense for them psychologically and spiritually. Of course my logical side responded best to the scientific reasons for why the colt is special, but the metaphysical side of the story is also very interesting and compelling, even for this non-believer.
Recklessly Yours will especially appeal to readers who are interested in horses and horse breeding, but even if you aren’t into that sort of thing (and to be honest, I’m not), this is still a very good book, filled with intrigue, passion, and love. I liked both the hero and the heroine very much, and Allison Chase provides a nice set up for Willow’s story, which should be excellent.
December 16, 2011
I thoroughly dislike the whole premise on which this series is based: Queen Victoria sending her impoverished, sheltered childhood friends out on absurd "secret missions." I find Queen Victoria completely unlikeable---she comes across as silly, insecure, and not very bright. That said, I really like the way the romances have been crafted. I really liked both Holly and Colin and enjoyed their interactions. I thought Colin's angst over his abusive father was credible without being over done and Holly was just delightful. After I got past the beginning, I was totally enthralled and read it straight through in one sitting. I am, however, at a total loss at why this author does such a good job writing the romance part of the plot, but feels compelled to surround it with silly, unbelievable twaddle!!! The romance is 4 1/2 stars, the back story is 1 star(or less).
February 27, 2012
I quite liked the idea behind Allison Chase's series and this book did not let me down. Holly is given the task of finding a stolen horse that if not found could irreparably hurt young Queen Victoria's tenuous reign. Plus she has to do it as herself and the number one suspect is the one guy who makes her heart go thump. Not to mention their is mysticism and superstition also involved further complicating things.
Most of the mystery behind the Sutherland sisters is revealed towards the end of the book, making me wonder what surprises Ms.Chase has in store for Willow's book. I am looking forward to reading it.
Most of the mystery behind the Sutherland sisters is revealed towards the end of the book, making me wonder what surprises Ms.Chase has in store for Willow's book. I am looking forward to reading it.
September 20, 2015
This was a hard one to locate, had to interlibrary loan it finally. I think the stories of the four sisters has been told in three books, the ending seems pretty final. This was alright, I liked the multiple family member dynamics with all the Sutherland sisters (almost) present, that changed things up and could have even been taken farther, methinks.
April 9, 2012
This has been my favorite of the series so far. Looking forward to Willow and Bryce's story.
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October 9, 2017Holly Sutherland was one of a group of 4 sisters who were allowed to play with Victoria before she became queen. Victoria became queen and the sisters had promised her that they would help her if she ever needed anything. Ivy and Laurel had already been sent on missions for the queen and Holly had been requested for this assignment. Holly had been summoned to the queen's stables and was told that the colt there was not the one that she had been given from Thaddeus Ashworth, Duke of Masterfield, before he departed for the West Indies to purchase more investment property. Victoria suspected that his son, Colin, Earl of Drayton, had stolen the horse back. Victoria needed the colt returned because she had promised it to Prince Fredrick of Prussia as a promise of goodwill.
Holly had met Colin at Ivy's wedding and Victoria arranged for her and two of her sisters to attend races sponsored by the Ashworth family. Willow, Ivy and Holly were staying at a nearby hotel. Holly was walking toward the racetrack when she was nearly rundown by Colin's carriage. Colin invited her to tour the property and Holly accepted. Holly was attracted to Colin and wondered why he seemed to get along with her sisters but not her. Colin treated her sisters like his own and was more comfortable with that relationship. He liked Holly too much to feel relaxed around her.
Colin had a sister, Sabrina, and two brothers, Geoff and Bryce. Sabrina was having trouble controlling her horse during a showing for the public to see their horses in hopes for them to sell. A rock was found near the area she was riding and it was suspected that someone threw the rock to cause Sabrina to lose control on purpose.
Willow told Holly that she was worried about her taking on this assignment because their other 2 sisters had ended up married. What was she going to do if Holly ended up married too? Willow met Bryce who took her on a tour of the veterinary lab on their property and showed her some kittens that had just been born. Then he kissed her.
Holly went riding on the property with Colin and toured the area. There was one area that he wouldn't let her see. His parents had held a ball and Ivy passed out. She was newly pregnant. Colin's mother insisted that the sisters move into their house and out of the hotel. Sabrina told Colin that she and Holly were going riding in the morning and he moved the colt. Holly went riding and didn't locate the colt. She told her sisters and was relieved thinking that Victoria was wrong in suspecting Colin. Her sisters told her that they didn't have the colt yet so they couldn't rule him out.
Colin had told Holly but now that he was attracted to her but he didn't acknowledge that because he wanted to protect her from his family. His father was very abusive. He had burned Bryce's hand so badly when he was younger that it assured that he would never be able to handle a spirited thoroughbred. Holly noticed scars on Colin's mother's arms. She wondered but hadn't suspected Colin's father of the abuse.
Holly followed Colin when he left the house one morning. She had already broken into his father's office so she knew that they had another farm where they bred their horses. She headed in that directions. Colin felt like someone was following him and stopped to wait. He hid the horse in the trees and came to meet her on the road. She had been followed by his brother. Colin sent his brother back and then showed Holly the colt. She was heartbroken to find out that he had stolen the horse. He asked her to accompany him to their home and see why he had done as he had.
They were shot at on their way and the colt was taken from them. They arrived at Briarwood to meet with his grandmother. The people who lived around their home were waiting and threw things at them as they rode to the house. Colin explained to her that the people were dependent on their family. They felt like the colt belonged to them and when it was taken but Colin's father, it brought bad luck to them. Colin had to get the horse back for them. His grandmother explained that they were cursed and the only thing that would break it would be for the colt to be returned or if the Earl of Masterfield were to marry someone of royal blood. Holly realized that was why this had happened and why Colin refused to marry her. She wasn't of royal blood.
Colin intended to leave in the morning to try and find the colt when a note was sent to him from Masterfield. The horses there were getting sick and they couldn't find a reason. Colin and Holly headed for Masterfield instead of looking for the colt. They arrived and went first to check on the horses. They checked the feed and water for poison but found nothing under a microscope. They then went through the feed and Holly noticed a weed in the food. The food had plant branches in it that were harmful to the horses. Colin was so excited that he had sex with Holly. They had gotten close a few times before that but didn't go all the way through with it. This time they did.
They got ready to leave the library and her sisters and his family were all waiting outside the room. The would now be married. Colin had one last thing to do and that was to turn himself in to Victoria. Before that happened, he had to go get the colt.
Colin went to get the colt and ran into someone with the horse claiming to be cousin to the Sutherland sisters. He told them that his brother was trying to kill them. Coin realized that he had made a mistake in leaving Holly at his home. They headed back, quickly.
A man had come to Masterfield saying that he was looking to purchase a horse and was taken on a tour of the stables. After the tour, he pulled Holly aside and told her that he was her cousin and his brother was trying to kill her and her sisters. He tried to convince her to take him where they colt was but Colin showed up with his valet and another man. They were now all facing each other and each was claiming that the other was trying to kill the sisters. Geoff had been overhearing the conversation and when one shot the other in the shoulder, Geoff shot that one in the gut. Holly had been knocked out when one was hit and Colin ran to her first. The one Geoff had hit had run off.
Holly was fine and so was Colin. They called a doctor for Henri but the doctor didn't hold out much hope. He thought that he might have a punctured lung. Antoine was found dead the next day. Colin went back and retrieved the colt from where the cousins had put it.
Henri de Were told Holly and Colin that their parents were descendants for the French throne. Their parents were killed because of this and it was thought that his children were killed too. The fact that they were still alive was recently discovered. Colin was indeed marrying royalty.
Holly explained to her sisters that their father was Roland De Valentin and he was a spy who opposed Napolean. His family had him killed by setting their house on fire in response for his actions. Their uncle Edward, who raised the girls, was another spy and not a blood relative. They were French and their names were Laurette, Yvonne, Helene, and Wilhemine de Valentin.
Holly and Colin went to see Victoria and the Queen told them that the Prussian Prince had taken the colt and was happy to receive it. Colin wouldn't be charged for taking the colt back because it was not acknowledged by anyone.
Colin had received a note after the shooting of the the De Vere's and he ignored had ignored it. The note was noticed when Holly heard the paper when she hugged Colin. He opened the note and it told that his father had been killed shortly after he left to the West Indies. Colin was now the Earl of Masterfield.
Laurel delivered a baby boy they named Edward after the man who had raised them. Colin and Holly were married. Bryce paid a visit to Willow to bring her a kitten and kissed her soundly.
Holly had met Colin at Ivy's wedding and Victoria arranged for her and two of her sisters to attend races sponsored by the Ashworth family. Willow, Ivy and Holly were staying at a nearby hotel. Holly was walking toward the racetrack when she was nearly rundown by Colin's carriage. Colin invited her to tour the property and Holly accepted. Holly was attracted to Colin and wondered why he seemed to get along with her sisters but not her. Colin treated her sisters like his own and was more comfortable with that relationship. He liked Holly too much to feel relaxed around her.
Colin had a sister, Sabrina, and two brothers, Geoff and Bryce. Sabrina was having trouble controlling her horse during a showing for the public to see their horses in hopes for them to sell. A rock was found near the area she was riding and it was suspected that someone threw the rock to cause Sabrina to lose control on purpose.
Willow told Holly that she was worried about her taking on this assignment because their other 2 sisters had ended up married. What was she going to do if Holly ended up married too? Willow met Bryce who took her on a tour of the veterinary lab on their property and showed her some kittens that had just been born. Then he kissed her.
Holly went riding on the property with Colin and toured the area. There was one area that he wouldn't let her see. His parents had held a ball and Ivy passed out. She was newly pregnant. Colin's mother insisted that the sisters move into their house and out of the hotel. Sabrina told Colin that she and Holly were going riding in the morning and he moved the colt. Holly went riding and didn't locate the colt. She told her sisters and was relieved thinking that Victoria was wrong in suspecting Colin. Her sisters told her that they didn't have the colt yet so they couldn't rule him out.
Colin had told Holly but now that he was attracted to her but he didn't acknowledge that because he wanted to protect her from his family. His father was very abusive. He had burned Bryce's hand so badly when he was younger that it assured that he would never be able to handle a spirited thoroughbred. Holly noticed scars on Colin's mother's arms. She wondered but hadn't suspected Colin's father of the abuse.
Holly followed Colin when he left the house one morning. She had already broken into his father's office so she knew that they had another farm where they bred their horses. She headed in that directions. Colin felt like someone was following him and stopped to wait. He hid the horse in the trees and came to meet her on the road. She had been followed by his brother. Colin sent his brother back and then showed Holly the colt. She was heartbroken to find out that he had stolen the horse. He asked her to accompany him to their home and see why he had done as he had.
They were shot at on their way and the colt was taken from them. They arrived at Briarwood to meet with his grandmother. The people who lived around their home were waiting and threw things at them as they rode to the house. Colin explained to her that the people were dependent on their family. They felt like the colt belonged to them and when it was taken but Colin's father, it brought bad luck to them. Colin had to get the horse back for them. His grandmother explained that they were cursed and the only thing that would break it would be for the colt to be returned or if the Earl of Masterfield were to marry someone of royal blood. Holly realized that was why this had happened and why Colin refused to marry her. She wasn't of royal blood.
Colin intended to leave in the morning to try and find the colt when a note was sent to him from Masterfield. The horses there were getting sick and they couldn't find a reason. Colin and Holly headed for Masterfield instead of looking for the colt. They arrived and went first to check on the horses. They checked the feed and water for poison but found nothing under a microscope. They then went through the feed and Holly noticed a weed in the food. The food had plant branches in it that were harmful to the horses. Colin was so excited that he had sex with Holly. They had gotten close a few times before that but didn't go all the way through with it. This time they did.
They got ready to leave the library and her sisters and his family were all waiting outside the room. The would now be married. Colin had one last thing to do and that was to turn himself in to Victoria. Before that happened, he had to go get the colt.
Colin went to get the colt and ran into someone with the horse claiming to be cousin to the Sutherland sisters. He told them that his brother was trying to kill them. Coin realized that he had made a mistake in leaving Holly at his home. They headed back, quickly.
A man had come to Masterfield saying that he was looking to purchase a horse and was taken on a tour of the stables. After the tour, he pulled Holly aside and told her that he was her cousin and his brother was trying to kill her and her sisters. He tried to convince her to take him where they colt was but Colin showed up with his valet and another man. They were now all facing each other and each was claiming that the other was trying to kill the sisters. Geoff had been overhearing the conversation and when one shot the other in the shoulder, Geoff shot that one in the gut. Holly had been knocked out when one was hit and Colin ran to her first. The one Geoff had hit had run off.
Holly was fine and so was Colin. They called a doctor for Henri but the doctor didn't hold out much hope. He thought that he might have a punctured lung. Antoine was found dead the next day. Colin went back and retrieved the colt from where the cousins had put it.
Henri de Were told Holly and Colin that their parents were descendants for the French throne. Their parents were killed because of this and it was thought that his children were killed too. The fact that they were still alive was recently discovered. Colin was indeed marrying royalty.
Holly explained to her sisters that their father was Roland De Valentin and he was a spy who opposed Napolean. His family had him killed by setting their house on fire in response for his actions. Their uncle Edward, who raised the girls, was another spy and not a blood relative. They were French and their names were Laurette, Yvonne, Helene, and Wilhemine de Valentin.
Holly and Colin went to see Victoria and the Queen told them that the Prussian Prince had taken the colt and was happy to receive it. Colin wouldn't be charged for taking the colt back because it was not acknowledged by anyone.
Colin had received a note after the shooting of the the De Vere's and he ignored had ignored it. The note was noticed when Holly heard the paper when she hugged Colin. He opened the note and it told that his father had been killed shortly after he left to the West Indies. Colin was now the Earl of Masterfield.
Laurel delivered a baby boy they named Edward after the man who had raised them. Colin and Holly were married. Bryce paid a visit to Willow to bring her a kitten and kissed her soundly.
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