What do you think?
Rate this book
The Brides of Bath #5
Love In The Library
The Beauty and the Scholar. . .
The Brides of Bath are Back! Book 5 in The Brides of Bath series.
Certain the "smart" Steffington twin is the person who can help her recover her late husband's nearly priceless stolen Chaucer manuscript, Catherine Bexley tearfully persuades the scholar to assist her. A deal is struck. She's particularly pleased that the Doctor of Letters is not interested in seducing her because she's finished with men (owing to her late husband's multitude of unfortunate alliances with. . .doxies). Regaining the manuscript and its subsequent sale will give her independence to ensure she never has to marry again.
Once he learns the poor, delicate widow is in danger of losing her heavily mortgaged home if they cannot find the valuable hologram, Dr. Melvin Steffington vows to do everything in his power to restore the rare Canterbury Tales to her. It's obvious the pretty little thing needs a man to help her. Not normally the twin to take note of pretty little things, Melvin can't help but to observe that Mrs. Bexley's physical appearance is much like the beauties so admired by his twin brother.
He hadn’t counted on the fact he would have to pose as her husband as they race against the banker's ticking clock. He hadn’t counted on the mysterious thief attempting to kill him. Most of all, he hadn't counted on how close he would become to the lovely widow or how the kissing of said widow would become the most pleasant experience in his entire seven and twenty years. . .
The Brides of Bath are Back! Book 5 in The Brides of Bath series.
Certain the "smart" Steffington twin is the person who can help her recover her late husband's nearly priceless stolen Chaucer manuscript, Catherine Bexley tearfully persuades the scholar to assist her. A deal is struck. She's particularly pleased that the Doctor of Letters is not interested in seducing her because she's finished with men (owing to her late husband's multitude of unfortunate alliances with. . .doxies). Regaining the manuscript and its subsequent sale will give her independence to ensure she never has to marry again.
Once he learns the poor, delicate widow is in danger of losing her heavily mortgaged home if they cannot find the valuable hologram, Dr. Melvin Steffington vows to do everything in his power to restore the rare Canterbury Tales to her. It's obvious the pretty little thing needs a man to help her. Not normally the twin to take note of pretty little things, Melvin can't help but to observe that Mrs. Bexley's physical appearance is much like the beauties so admired by his twin brother.
He hadn’t counted on the fact he would have to pose as her husband as they race against the banker's ticking clock. He hadn’t counted on the mysterious thief attempting to kill him. Most of all, he hadn't counted on how close he would become to the lovely widow or how the kissing of said widow would become the most pleasant experience in his entire seven and twenty years. . .
250 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 27, 2014
192 people are currently reading
692 people want to read
About the author
Cheryl Bolen
80 books1,666 followersSince being named Notable New Author for 1997, Cheryl Bolen has published more than 35 books with Kensington/Zebra, Harlequin, Love Inspired Historical, Montlake, and independently. She has broken into the top 5 on the New York Times and hit the USA Today bestseller list. Her 2005 One Golden Ring won Best Historical, Holt Medallion, and her 2011 My Lord Wicked was awarded Best Historical in the International Digital Awards, the same year her Christmas novella was chosen as Best Novella. Her books have been finalists for other awards, including the Daphne du Maurier, and have been translated into eight languages. She’s also been the number 1 bestselling historical romance author in Germany.
She holds a bachelor's degree in journalism and English from the University of Texas and a master's degree from the University of Houston. Her favorite pursuits are reading diaries of dead English women, traveling to England, and watching the Texas Longhorns play football and basketball. She and her recently retired professor husband are the parents of two sons. One is an attorney, the other a journalist.
Website: www.CherylBolen.com
Blog: www.cherylsregencyramblings.wordpress.co
Facebook: http://fbl.ink/Facebook
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
November 16, 2016
Catherine the overly polite and Melvin the sexy nerd.
Melvin and Elvin (snicker) are twins so identical that only family can tell them apart. Elvin is the social butterfly and Melvin is the quietly studious introvert. He avoids women, because he never knows what to say to them... until Mrs. Catherine Bexley asks for his help in solving a mystery of great import to her. Catherine is feminine and has a tendency to cry but not overly much imho, just enough to put Melvin off center. She's sweet and honest and best of all to Melvin, easy to be with. He has no intentions to marry, and so his admiration for Catherine sneaks up on him slowly, blossoming into more.
My first time reading this author. It's kinda slow going at first. So it took a while before I actually cared about either MC. In deference to the regency period, nobody is plain spoken which can get a bit tiresome. My husband assures me that this is still a very English trait ; )
By half way though, I was invested, but I can't honestly say I enjoyed the book til the last quarter which was lovely. The epilogue was sweet and perfect. But there was a misunderstanding that went on too long, that kept it to a 3star read for me.
I would like to read more by this author. I find slow books like this are good as audio books. (Don't distract you when you're driving! ; ) )
Melvin and Elvin (snicker) are twins so identical that only family can tell them apart. Elvin is the social butterfly and Melvin is the quietly studious introvert. He avoids women, because he never knows what to say to them... until Mrs. Catherine Bexley asks for his help in solving a mystery of great import to her. Catherine is feminine and has a tendency to cry but not overly much imho, just enough to put Melvin off center. She's sweet and honest and best of all to Melvin, easy to be with. He has no intentions to marry, and so his admiration for Catherine sneaks up on him slowly, blossoming into more.
My first time reading this author. It's kinda slow going at first. So it took a while before I actually cared about either MC. In deference to the regency period, nobody is plain spoken which can get a bit tiresome. My husband assures me that this is still a very English trait ; )
By half way though, I was invested, but I can't honestly say I enjoyed the book til the last quarter which was lovely. The epilogue was sweet and perfect. But there was a misunderstanding that went on too long, that kept it to a 3star read for me.
I would like to read more by this author. I find slow books like this are good as audio books. (Don't distract you when you're driving! ; ) )
January 19, 2014
Catherine Bexley enjoys being a widow so much more than her awful marriage she had been shackled to. Her hope is to keep the status permanently however the problem at hand now is how to get the funds to stay that way since the only thing of value has been stolen. The late Mr. Bexley owned a priceless first edition of Chaucer and only a man with a love of literature could help her recover it, so enter Melvin Steffington. Melvin is the brain to his twin brother’s charm but tracking an extremely valuable book is right up his alley. He does point out the obvious that this would not be an issue if Catherine would have locked the doors and window but she cannot reverse that action she needs to just find her property.
Melvin and Catherine start working the basics of how to figure out who might have the book. So many may have wanted it but only a few would covet the existence in their personal collection. Trips must be taken and chances risked but while Melvin may not be prolific with his words he does know how to take care of Catherine by showing her she can rely on his character and abilities.
With every step they take forward the two are pushed backward right off the cliff of an investigative trail. Melvin tries to direct the course of action but Catherine, while not acting like any other woman he knows still comes up with illogical actions to endanger them. Catherine might trust Melvin but at the end of this caper she knows it is she that will be forced into unsuitable living arrangements as all her money is tied up in that one item.
Simply put you may have this to take of and that to handle, but trust me you will not be able to stop reading until you have reached the last word.
Melvin and Catherine start working the basics of how to figure out who might have the book. So many may have wanted it but only a few would covet the existence in their personal collection. Trips must be taken and chances risked but while Melvin may not be prolific with his words he does know how to take care of Catherine by showing her she can rely on his character and abilities.
With every step they take forward the two are pushed backward right off the cliff of an investigative trail. Melvin tries to direct the course of action but Catherine, while not acting like any other woman he knows still comes up with illogical actions to endanger them. Catherine might trust Melvin but at the end of this caper she knows it is she that will be forced into unsuitable living arrangements as all her money is tied up in that one item.
Simply put you may have this to take of and that to handle, but trust me you will not be able to stop reading until you have reached the last word.
December 21, 2015
1.5 stars.
Zzzzz. The only thing that kept me awake was my cringing over the most irritating heroine I've read in a long while. The extra half star is for decent grammar/technical writing aspects. I am being generous bumping it up to two stars. I hate giving negative reviews (almost as much as I hate wasting my time on subpar books), but there is really nothing to like about the story.
Zzzzz. The only thing that kept me awake was my cringing over the most irritating heroine I've read in a long while. The extra half star is for decent grammar/technical writing aspects. I am being generous bumping it up to two stars. I hate giving negative reviews (almost as much as I hate wasting my time on subpar books), but there is really nothing to like about the story.
January 19, 2018
An intellectual Classicist scholar and a beautiful Regency widow
This relatively quick and fun Regency romance had an interesting pairing - the hero an intellectual Classicist specializing in translating Greek and Roman treatises, and the heroine a beautiful (and insightful/intelligent) widow with a problem that calls for a literary specialist. The heroine displays her intelligence and captivates the scholar, while remaining true to the sometimes lighter and whimsical roles often expected of Regency women.
This relatively quick and fun Regency romance had an interesting pairing - the hero an intellectual Classicist specializing in translating Greek and Roman treatises, and the heroine a beautiful (and insightful/intelligent) widow with a problem that calls for a literary specialist. The heroine displays her intelligence and captivates the scholar, while remaining true to the sometimes lighter and whimsical roles often expected of Regency women.
July 30, 2017
She does it again
Cheryl Bolen is truly gifted. This time we have a mystery and a love story. A widow is devastated her late husband left her a priceless book and it has been stolen.
Cheryl Bolen is truly gifted. This time we have a mystery and a love story. A widow is devastated her late husband left her a priceless book and it has been stolen.
August 14, 2017
Great
I really liked most of the characters and enjoyed the plot. However people should listen carefully to what people are saying to them...even if it is boring!
I really liked most of the characters and enjoyed the plot. However people should listen carefully to what people are saying to them...even if it is boring!
March 30, 2018
Melvin has been on the receiving end of snide remarks because of his timidity around women for the whole series. Nice to see him come out of his shell when he meets the widow Catherine.
May 28, 2024
It Pays to Listen Carefully to Conversations!
I enjoyed this story. Melvin was a very intelligent man who studied ancient texts and manuscripts. Catherine was a widow who had a large library collection in her home. However, her priceless copy of Chaucer's Tales had been stolen. Catherine was desperate to find it so she could have enough money to survive and pay off her mortgage. She asked Melvin to help her in her search and together they visited the libraries of several other lords who had valuable collections but they could not find the manuscript. Catherine was an attractive widow and had attracted the attention of Lord Longford. He talked endlessly and considered himself betrothed to Catherine, despite the fact that Catherine had no recollection of his proposal. During their searches, Catherine and Melvin grew closer but they were no nearer to finding the manuscript. When Melvin was attacked, Catherine's true feelings were revealed. Who was responsible for the attack? How was it linked to the theft? Will Catherine reveal her love for Melvin? Will they find the manuscript in time to pay off the bank and allow Catherine to be happy again? Read on and enjoy this well-written story.
I enjoyed this story. Melvin was a very intelligent man who studied ancient texts and manuscripts. Catherine was a widow who had a large library collection in her home. However, her priceless copy of Chaucer's Tales had been stolen. Catherine was desperate to find it so she could have enough money to survive and pay off her mortgage. She asked Melvin to help her in her search and together they visited the libraries of several other lords who had valuable collections but they could not find the manuscript. Catherine was an attractive widow and had attracted the attention of Lord Longford. He talked endlessly and considered himself betrothed to Catherine, despite the fact that Catherine had no recollection of his proposal. During their searches, Catherine and Melvin grew closer but they were no nearer to finding the manuscript. When Melvin was attacked, Catherine's true feelings were revealed. Who was responsible for the attack? How was it linked to the theft? Will Catherine reveal her love for Melvin? Will they find the manuscript in time to pay off the bank and allow Catherine to be happy again? Read on and enjoy this well-written story.
October 4, 2024
Cheryl Bolen does it again! Love in the Library is a wonderfully written historical romance!
Love in the Library is book five in Cheryl Bolen's The Brides of Bath series. This novel offered suspense ,humor, and romance in the historical setting of Regency Bath, England. The interaction between the hero, the scholarly Steffington twin, Melvin and the heroine, the lovely widow , Catherine Blexly, was so well done that I was amused by their snappy interactions. Like the host of supporting characters from previous stories in the series, neither Melvin nor Catherine have any intention of falling in love, even though it is obvious to everyone but themselves that they are soulmates. I loved that Melvin was completely befuddled by women and not your typical rake of a hero. I also appreciated that the story was more than a romance. It was an edge of your seat mystery that had me, guessing who the villain was almost to the very end.
I love the beautiful setting of Bath and the colorful characters, Ms. Bolen continues to include in each book of the series. There is always a HEA, and the romance is sweet.
I have enjoyed this series so much and can't wait to continue the series. In fact, I never want it to end!
Love in the Library is book five in Cheryl Bolen's The Brides of Bath series. This novel offered suspense ,humor, and romance in the historical setting of Regency Bath, England. The interaction between the hero, the scholarly Steffington twin, Melvin and the heroine, the lovely widow , Catherine Blexly, was so well done that I was amused by their snappy interactions. Like the host of supporting characters from previous stories in the series, neither Melvin nor Catherine have any intention of falling in love, even though it is obvious to everyone but themselves that they are soulmates. I loved that Melvin was completely befuddled by women and not your typical rake of a hero. I also appreciated that the story was more than a romance. It was an edge of your seat mystery that had me, guessing who the villain was almost to the very end.
I love the beautiful setting of Bath and the colorful characters, Ms. Bolen continues to include in each book of the series. There is always a HEA, and the romance is sweet.
I have enjoyed this series so much and can't wait to continue the series. In fact, I never want it to end!
December 8, 2019
This was an okay story, lessened by the 'heroine', Catherine. I really liked Melvin - the dark, somewhat nerdy brainiac - but I couldn't stand Catherine with her 'child-like voice' moments, spoiled bratty antics (crossed arms, stomping, and pouting), and stupidity. While she had some moments of adulthood, humor, and common sense, Catherine's overall turn-about came too late for me to really like and/or care about her. Why the author decided to create her character was a mystery to me; Melvin deserved a better woman. 2.5 stars.
June 12, 2024
A Delightful Regency
This is a delightful Regency romance. The author uses colloquial terms of that era beautifully. The dialogue and action are lively and action packed. This was number 5 in the series, but stood alone on its own content. I plan to read the rest of the series now.
This is a delightful Regency romance. The author uses colloquial terms of that era beautifully. The dialogue and action are lively and action packed. This was number 5 in the series, but stood alone on its own content. I plan to read the rest of the series now.
January 5, 2018
Hero: Melvin/Airy-- Heroine: Catherine
Reading Enjoyment:4.2* I mostly enjoyed reading this story that progressed slowly, has unforgettable and fun characters. This story has a very happy and satisfying HEA
Reading Enjoyment:4.2* I mostly enjoyed reading this story that progressed slowly, has unforgettable and fun characters. This story has a very happy and satisfying HEA
July 25, 2018
Lovely!
This is a “clean” Regency although the author skillfully unfolds the growing attraction between a sedate, scholarly gentleman and an impetuous woman whose intelligence was not previously recognized,
This is a “clean” Regency although the author skillfully unfolds the growing attraction between a sedate, scholarly gentleman and an impetuous woman whose intelligence was not previously recognized,
August 27, 2021
Love in the Library (The Brides of Bath Book 5)
The love story of Catherine and Melvin. Catherine is a widow that need money. She had a very valuable book but it was stolen. With the help of Melvin will she find who stole the manuscript and fins happiness? Great story.
The love story of Catherine and Melvin. Catherine is a widow that need money. She had a very valuable book but it was stolen. With the help of Melvin will she find who stole the manuscript and fins happiness? Great story.
August 2, 2017
Love without saying it
Melvin and Catherine united to solve a theft. Both fell in love without acknowledging it. Caring for each other developed love. No lust
Melvin and Catherine united to solve a theft. Both fell in love without acknowledging it. Caring for each other developed love. No lust
March 11, 2019
Good writing
This one was hard for me to get into - I don’t know if it is just me? My all time favorite book I. The series is book three!!!!!
This one was hard for me to get into - I don’t know if it is just me? My all time favorite book I. The series is book three!!!!!
September 21, 2014
Cheryl Bolen returns to Bath with this fifth entry in the Brides of Bath series. Fans will be glad to have a glimpse of old friends, and new readers will have no trouble following this stand-alone romance.
Catherine Bexley is a young widow, finishing her period of mourning for her late, but not particularly lamented, husband. Almost all of Mr. Bexley’s wealth was tied up in a near-priceless Chaucer manuscript, but Catherine needs to put a price on it, and soon, because she’s nearly out of money. Unfortunately, the manuscript has been stolen, and the bank holding the mortgage on her house is asking for payment.
Melvin Steffington is a brilliant scholar, an expert in classical literature and rare books. His slightly older twin brother, Elvin, is a worldly baronet, but Melvin is uninterested in fashion and totally clueless about women. The brothers are close, but Melvin wants to make his own way in the world.
Out of loyalty to her husband, Catherine wants to keep the theft--and the fact that she has no other resources--a secret, but she needs help to solve the mystery of the disappearing manuscript. When she recruits Melvin Steffington (“the smart twin,” as he is known), little does she suspect that their partnership will grow into so much more.
Along the way Catherine and Melvin meet eccentric book collectors, break a number of social rules, and confront the bad guys, before they finally confront their feelings about each other.
This is another delightful Regency love story from Cheryl Bolen. If you have enjoyed her earlier books you will love this one.
Catherine Bexley is a young widow, finishing her period of mourning for her late, but not particularly lamented, husband. Almost all of Mr. Bexley’s wealth was tied up in a near-priceless Chaucer manuscript, but Catherine needs to put a price on it, and soon, because she’s nearly out of money. Unfortunately, the manuscript has been stolen, and the bank holding the mortgage on her house is asking for payment.
Melvin Steffington is a brilliant scholar, an expert in classical literature and rare books. His slightly older twin brother, Elvin, is a worldly baronet, but Melvin is uninterested in fashion and totally clueless about women. The brothers are close, but Melvin wants to make his own way in the world.
Out of loyalty to her husband, Catherine wants to keep the theft--and the fact that she has no other resources--a secret, but she needs help to solve the mystery of the disappearing manuscript. When she recruits Melvin Steffington (“the smart twin,” as he is known), little does she suspect that their partnership will grow into so much more.
Along the way Catherine and Melvin meet eccentric book collectors, break a number of social rules, and confront the bad guys, before they finally confront their feelings about each other.
This is another delightful Regency love story from Cheryl Bolen. If you have enjoyed her earlier books you will love this one.
February 1, 2017
Frolicsome. The heroine, Catherine, was a watering pot and enforced the rules of conduct especially in defense of behavior toward her. On her other side she wanted to be a self-sufficient woman and as a widow did not want to remarry. She is the quintessential reason men don't understand women. She was, however, nice and honest to balance out her flakiness. There were times the story felt like a farce.
The hero, Melvin, is an identical twin to Elvin (or Elwin can't remember) both of whom are tall and handsome. Melvin is bookish, Elvin is a rake (but nice)and a baronet. Catherine seeks Melvin's intellectual help locating a Chaucer manuscript that was stolen from her home. It is the only valuable that her scapegrace deceased husband has left her and without it she will be destitute and forced to either marry or live with her brother and his children.
The story is how the two go about discovering the whereabouts of the manuscript which getting to know each other. He is a total geek and knows nothing about women or even his own male response to women. She's not prudish but she's just as in the dark about love and romance. They become comfortable friends but do have communication issues.
There is no slap-stick humor but a lot of roll-your-eyes humor. It is possible to envision the misunderstandings they have yet it is also tedious at times.
Someday I want to read about a dashing geeky hero who gets the lady he deserves.
The hero, Melvin, is an identical twin to Elvin (or Elwin can't remember) both of whom are tall and handsome. Melvin is bookish, Elvin is a rake (but nice)and a baronet. Catherine seeks Melvin's intellectual help locating a Chaucer manuscript that was stolen from her home. It is the only valuable that her scapegrace deceased husband has left her and without it she will be destitute and forced to either marry or live with her brother and his children.
The story is how the two go about discovering the whereabouts of the manuscript which getting to know each other. He is a total geek and knows nothing about women or even his own male response to women. She's not prudish but she's just as in the dark about love and romance. They become comfortable friends but do have communication issues.
There is no slap-stick humor but a lot of roll-your-eyes humor. It is possible to envision the misunderstandings they have yet it is also tedious at times.
Someday I want to read about a dashing geeky hero who gets the lady he deserves.
January 27, 2014
I have loved Cheryl Bolen's books every since I discovered her Brides of Bath series. This latest book was a long time coming and was very much worth the wait.
Our heroine, Catherine, was in a horrendous marriage and when she becomes a widow she is happy to remain one. The only problem being the lack of money, and the very real possibility of losing her home. The only thing of value that her husband had that would ensure that she wouldn't have to rely on any man ever again, a precious first edition of Chaucer, was stolen. The only way she would have any chance of finding the book was by asking our hero (Melvin), to help her. He is one of a set of twins, and whereas his brother is a charmer, he is the more studious one.
The story revolves around the search in the private libraries of various collectors, with Catherine and Melvin posing as husband and wife to make their story more legitimate and acceptable. During the search there of course is danger, tears, frustration, and of course romance as Melvin and Catherine find themselves drawn towards each other despite it being what both of them have sworn against.
I won't tell you the outcome of the story, you will have to read it yourself, but I can assure you that you won't be disappointed in this latest installment of the series from Cheryl.
Our heroine, Catherine, was in a horrendous marriage and when she becomes a widow she is happy to remain one. The only problem being the lack of money, and the very real possibility of losing her home. The only thing of value that her husband had that would ensure that she wouldn't have to rely on any man ever again, a precious first edition of Chaucer, was stolen. The only way she would have any chance of finding the book was by asking our hero (Melvin), to help her. He is one of a set of twins, and whereas his brother is a charmer, he is the more studious one.
The story revolves around the search in the private libraries of various collectors, with Catherine and Melvin posing as husband and wife to make their story more legitimate and acceptable. During the search there of course is danger, tears, frustration, and of course romance as Melvin and Catherine find themselves drawn towards each other despite it being what both of them have sworn against.
I won't tell you the outcome of the story, you will have to read it yourself, but I can assure you that you won't be disappointed in this latest installment of the series from Cheryl.
December 23, 2015
Love in the Library: The Brides of Bath Book 5 Written by: Cheryl Bolen
First book read from this author and series. This is an audible book and I find the speaker is like talking to you as if you are there. The English accent is precisely clear and right words for the time. Easy to follow, especially being the 5th in a series, I am not out in the dark as other series.
Mrs. Catherine Bexsley confides in her friend about her deceased husbands missing article of fortune.
She may have to marry, maybe one of the identical twins. He learns her one year of mourning is up and she's ready to associate with others again.
She needs his help as he's seeking a post at the library. They work together, her confiding in him about her finances and the missing treasure.
In just 2 hours Melvin Stephington (the smart one) finds out so much more about her, her life and what she wants out of life. He hopes he's comforting her when she starts crying, he has no clue to females.
Like hearing of the places their search leads them to and what they do find...like the discussions of the books themselves, bindings, etc.
Misunderstandings get in the way and draw them apart. Will he be able to make her laugh again? Few characters, easy to track of them all.
Free gift from the author in exchange for my honest review.
First book read from this author and series. This is an audible book and I find the speaker is like talking to you as if you are there. The English accent is precisely clear and right words for the time. Easy to follow, especially being the 5th in a series, I am not out in the dark as other series.
Mrs. Catherine Bexsley confides in her friend about her deceased husbands missing article of fortune.
She may have to marry, maybe one of the identical twins. He learns her one year of mourning is up and she's ready to associate with others again.
She needs his help as he's seeking a post at the library. They work together, her confiding in him about her finances and the missing treasure.
In just 2 hours Melvin Stephington (the smart one) finds out so much more about her, her life and what she wants out of life. He hopes he's comforting her when she starts crying, he has no clue to females.
Like hearing of the places their search leads them to and what they do find...like the discussions of the books themselves, bindings, etc.
Misunderstandings get in the way and draw them apart. Will he be able to make her laugh again? Few characters, easy to track of them all.
Free gift from the author in exchange for my honest review.
March 12, 2014
This is the first of Cheryl Bolen's books that I've read, but it won't be the last. Tho it's the fifth in the 'Brides of Bath' series, it stands on it's own. There is a mention, and we meet a couple who are probably the focus of an earlier book, but that does not disrupt this story at all.
Mrs. Catherine Bexley is a young widow who has had a valuable Chaucer manuscript stolen - the sale of this manuscript will allow her to live independently. She requests the assistance of Dr. Melvin Steffington, a scholar and the twin brother of a Baron, to assist her in finding out who stole the book. Catherine has no intention of marrying, and Melvin thinks he is only interested in his scholarly pursuits. During their adventures in pursuit of the Chaucer they fight their attraction. Besides the romance aspects of the story there is the mystery of who stole the book and how will they find it.
I really enjoyed these two characters and their idiosyncrasies. It's also been a while since I read a story mostly set in the City of Bath. I hope there will be a book about the other Steffington twin and that we can catch up with Catherine and Melvin.
Mrs. Catherine Bexley is a young widow who has had a valuable Chaucer manuscript stolen - the sale of this manuscript will allow her to live independently. She requests the assistance of Dr. Melvin Steffington, a scholar and the twin brother of a Baron, to assist her in finding out who stole the book. Catherine has no intention of marrying, and Melvin thinks he is only interested in his scholarly pursuits. During their adventures in pursuit of the Chaucer they fight their attraction. Besides the romance aspects of the story there is the mystery of who stole the book and how will they find it.
I really enjoyed these two characters and their idiosyncrasies. It's also been a while since I read a story mostly set in the City of Bath. I hope there will be a book about the other Steffington twin and that we can catch up with Catherine and Melvin.
December 23, 2015
Well, book 5 is my favorite of the series! Perhaps it's because I have a soft spot for bookish nerds or perhaps it's because the book is about libraries and rare books. Whatever the reason, I adore Melvin Steffington (the smart twin) who is a longtime friend of George Pembroke.
Catherine Bexley is a widow whose husband left her only one thing of value - a Chaucer manuscript - and it is very valuable indeed. She planned to sell it and live on its proceeds for the rest of her life. She certainly had no intention of remarrying, for Mr. Bexley was far from a stellar husband.
However, the Chaucer is missing and she is forced to conclude that it has been stolen. So when she overhears a conversation that the smart Steffington twin is an expert on literature and is in fact a Doctor of Letters, she determines to convince him to help her track down the missing Chaucer by promising him 15% of the recovery.
And so they embark upon numerous adventures to locate the manuscript, not knowing the thief is right under their noses.
No sex at all in this one, but it was completely enjoyable.
Catherine Bexley is a widow whose husband left her only one thing of value - a Chaucer manuscript - and it is very valuable indeed. She planned to sell it and live on its proceeds for the rest of her life. She certainly had no intention of remarrying, for Mr. Bexley was far from a stellar husband.
However, the Chaucer is missing and she is forced to conclude that it has been stolen. So when she overhears a conversation that the smart Steffington twin is an expert on literature and is in fact a Doctor of Letters, she determines to convince him to help her track down the missing Chaucer by promising him 15% of the recovery.
And so they embark upon numerous adventures to locate the manuscript, not knowing the thief is right under their noses.
No sex at all in this one, but it was completely enjoyable.
February 8, 2014
Catherine is a widow needing the help of Melvin (the smart twin) to locate her late husband's stolen Chaucer. The manuscript of The Canterbury Tales is nearly priceless and would give both of them financial independence. Mr. Longford, also known as Mr. Longmouth, is not happy that Catherine is spending time with Melvin. Catherine lets him think she listens to him only to completely tune him out. She couldn't be less interested in him. She and Melvin travel to many different places in search of the Chaucer. Catherine acts before she thinks things through and gets them into tight spots. She also has a sense of humor that causes her to giggle but it also helps bring Melvin out of his shell more or less. He is most reserved unlike his twin Elvin who is a lady's man. Realizing Melvin and Catherine must be getting close to the Chaucer after Melvin is attacked, he kicks his investigation into full gear. I loved this book. It has romance, mystery, deceit, humor and more.
December 11, 2015
This is a slightly old fashioned Regency, i.e. no graphic sex, the kind I have loved and not easy to find any more. Frothy with some statements about the role of women, a laugh at a character who only cares about titles, and the plot revolves around books and the love of them. What could be better?
September 6, 2016
This book holds one's interest and is full of little adventures that the hero and heroine share, a blooming love, intrigue and with many an incident which causes one to chuckle and enjoy the story more and more. And of course there is a villain.
The book is well written (as usual) and I would recommend it to lovers of Historical Romantic Novels.
The book is well written (as usual) and I would recommend it to lovers of Historical Romantic Novels.
December 10, 2015
An amusing and sweet romance
I enjoyed this story immensely, the characters were throughly lovable and quirky and their budding romance a joy to read. Throw in a little detective work and some hair brained schemes and you have an amusing story that will keep you enthralled.
I enjoyed this story immensely, the characters were throughly lovable and quirky and their budding romance a joy to read. Throw in a little detective work and some hair brained schemes and you have an amusing story that will keep you enthralled.
August 9, 2015
Truly enjoyed reading this book
I must say I Enjoyed Love In The Library.. I loved shy Melvin very much. I hope you have a book about his twin coming out soon.
I must say I Enjoyed Love In The Library.. I loved shy Melvin very much. I hope you have a book about his twin coming out soon.
September 13, 2016
Not the best one in a series I've really enjoyed.
October 26, 2016
One of my favorite books from this author.
April 20, 2015
I really liked it. I thought it was a cute and funny story. Can't wait for Elvin's story
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews