Jack Martingale, the Marquess of Blackthorne, is in a coffeehouse when his younger brother, Nicholas, arrives with the news that he has insulted a family enemy, the Duke of Bleven. Worse, the Duke has challenged Nicholas to a duel. A few minutes later, the Duke arrives with his henchmen, determined to kill both brothers. After a brief fight, the brothers grab a nearby occupied coach, realizing it is their only means of escape.

Maddie protests the arrival of the two men, then is surprised when Ashley knows Jack’s brother, Nick. Maddie realizes there is unfinished business between her cousin and Nick, but her own attraction to Jack is even more curious - and disturbing.

Their journey is fraught with interruptions. Ashley’s father has seen Jack and his daughter together and insists that Jack marry Ashley. Jack has no choice, fully aware that, if he returns to London and they are not married, Ashley’s father will shoot him. Then the Duke of Bleven and his men catch up to the coach. All the occupants manage to escape, only to have their trip delayed by several more mishaps. When the group finally arrives in Scotland, the drunken priest marries Maddie and Jack - and Ashley and Nick - by mistake. Maddie is understandably upset, until she realizes that Jack arouses a passion within her that she had prayed for, yet believed never would exist.

I absolutely loved this book! Blackthorne’s Bride is an enchanting, rollicking, action-packed adventure, filled with delightful twists and turns and just the right amount of humor to please any romance lover. The hint of a previous relationship between Nick and Ashley, and their disappearance after the marriage ceremony, hints at another release in this wonderful series - and one I eagerly await.