Review: LORD LANGLEY IS BACK IN TOWN by Elizabeth Boyle

Standon Widows #3

Historical Romance Regency (1815)
Avon, an imprint of Harper Collins

Minerva, the last of the Widows' Standon figures she now has it made. Now that Lucy and Elinor have remarried, she can have the house all to herself. She talked the duke into doing some renovations, so she knows that if she is frugal, life will be good. That is until a houseful of the duchess's former “nannies” invade her home, and a handsome rake falls into her bed, literally. Turning her life into chaos.

The Baron Langley is one of Britain's top spies, but it seems as if someone now wishes him dead. He's chosen the perfect hiding spot, that is until the house overflows with women. Running out of options, he decides to come out of hiding, but to do that he will need a cover, one he thinks Minerva will fulfill quite nicely.

When Langley suggests the engagement, Minerva is quick to lay down some rules. She will not be pulled into scandal and he must not kiss her. But how can he resist such a challenge, especially when she doesn't seem to be to adverse to the feel of his lips.

*****

LORD LANGLEY IS BACK IN TOWN was a fun ending to Elizabeth Boyle's Standon Widows' trilogy. Langley and Minerva balanced each other out perfectly. Minerva was definitely the more mature of the two, even if Langley was 10 years older than her. He had a tendency to be a bit of a rapscallion to her more straitlaced and proper lifestyle. I really enjoyed how Langley baited Minerva and provoked her to stray from her strict principles. the sexual tension that practically vibrated between them as they tempted each other, and tried so hard not to succumb.

I loved the Regency “James Bond” theme that Langley portrayed. Ms. Boyle kept a fresh and amusing spin on a well used trope. But I found all of the “nannies” to be distracting, and while I understand their importance to the storyline, I felt that there could have been less of them. I think they made the story lag, especially towards the beginning. One thing I was very thankful for was that Felicity only had a fleeting part. I liked her in her own story, but in everything since she has been overbearing and pushy, yes, I realize that is her character, but it's annoying.

I am looking forward to Ms. Boyle's new series out next year, as I always love her fresh spin on things.

Rating: 4