Courting A Lie

‘Wonderland By Night’ by Marie Higgins is a clean historical romance that takes place during the American Revolutionary War in 1767. This is the third of three books in the Heroic Rogues Series. You can read one, but if you want to read two or more, they should be read in order. Gabriel Lawrence is introduced in the first book, goes on to the second book, and then finally is the main male character in the third book.

Lady Sarah Emiline Townshend, daughter of Forester Townshend the Duke of Penrose, is in Boston visiting her Uncle Oliver with her father. There is great unrest in town, especially when her uncle passes a particularly nasty law increasing the local taxes by almost twice as much. In fear of her safety, her father decides to send Sarah to some friends of his, Mr. and Mrs. Hampton of New Hampshire. Her father further tells her that he’s not sure who among the Hampton’s friends can be trusted, so he wants her maid Anna to play ‘Lady Sarah’ while Sarah is supposed to be her poor relation and companion Miss Emmie.

Gabriel Lawrence has helped out two other men while they found love. In the last book Marcus Thorne, who was Captain Hawk, has gotten married and doesn’t plan to return to the sea any time soon. So he passed his ship The Avenger, his crew, and his title/name of Captain Hawk on to Gabe. Captain Hawk was originally a pirate who became a privateer in the war effort. Lately there have been problems with a certain navy captain, Commodore Billingsford, who will stop at nothing to catch Gabe. Only his latest trap almost caught The Avenger. Someone on board has to be traitor, but whom? Gabe sends the crew home and goes into hiding in plain sight. He goes to visit his aunt and uncle and their daughter, the Hamptons!

Gabe decides he is going to find out everything he can about Lady Sarah’s uncle by romancing her. Only he’s drawn to her spitfire of a companion Miss Emmie! It doesn’t matter that she wears ugly dresses that look all wrong on her and look huge. It doesn’t matter that she’s willing to tell him exactly what’s on her mind. She draws him to her like a moth is drawn to a flame. The problem is that they’re both holding secrets. What will the other one do when they find out the truth?

This book has lots of surprises in store and some excitement as well. This story was a wonderful conclusion to the series, although of course you wish there was more, but that can’t be helped. This story is good for ages 14+ and comes only in e-book format.