Not Quite a Lady    by Loretta Chase Order:  USA  Can Avon, 2007 (2007) Paperback, e-Book     Reviewed by Kim Atchue-Cusella Lady Charlotte Haywood is forced to give up her baby; the infant's father had deserted her before dying in battle. Her stepmother helped keep the secret from her father, who can't understand why his beautiful daughter remains unmarried. Though Charlotte has a system that keeps men at bay, her father has decided to invite suitors to a party, in the hope that his dauhgter will finally be induced to marry. Lord Hargate is also distressed that his youngest son, Darius Carsington, has not settled down yet and sends him to Yorkshire on a bet that he can't make their land there profitable. He believes it will be impossible and his condition is that if Darius fails he must marry. Darius finds himself next door to Lady Charlotte, the kind of perfect seeming woman that he does not care for. But he is surprisingly taken by her. Charlotte finds herself helping Darius renovate his house under the direction of her stepmother. She can't avoid him, and the more they meet the harder it becomes to keep their hands off each other. But as they slowly begin to trust and fall in love, a jealous would-be suitor of Charlotte's decides that he can make her marry him by spilling her secret. Not Quite a Lady is filled with emotion and passion. It's delightful to watch Charlotte and Darius fall in love. Charlotte fears that her secret has forever tainted her life and will cost her future happiness. Darius can't seem to get Charlotte out of his mind and wonders why she is such a challenge. Loretta Chase brings the characters alive with a storyline that won't let you put down the book. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Romance books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews