Kiss an Angel

Daisy Devreaux found herself in a no-win situation. She was in debt and needed her father’s help. He gave his daughter a choice, of going to jail or marrying the man of his choosing. Daisy’s father was obsessed with Russian history. So it was no surprise to Daisy when she found herself reciting her marriage vows with Alex Markov. Alex Markov was devilishly handsome but incapable of love, or at least that was what he told Daisy. She didn’t believe him though, and set out, to prove him wrong. Daisy sincerely hoped that Alex was capable of loving her because her traitorous heart was falling for him. The story takes place in a traveling circus, and although this well-written romance is heartbreaking at times, it’s also touching, funny, and very addicting. I loved it.

This awesome book by SEP has so much to recommend it, that I'm hard pressed to single out any one element that makes it the unforgettable read that it is. The colorful background of a traveling, second tier circus and the lovable eccentrics, both human and animal, that are the life's blood of the show immediately capture and keep a hold of your imagination. Daisy is an eternal optimist, married off to an impatient, cynical Alex, by her stern, bloodline conscious, and manipulative father. There are many moments of humor, sorrow, and sensuality found throughout this extraordinary story. One humorous scene that stayed with me and made me laugh out loud, has to do with Daisy helping Alex uphold his "sacred" wedding vows. When she is leaving the ladies room at a truck-stop where they stopped for breakfast, Daisy sees Alex flirting with a waitress. Daisy smiles and thanks the waitress for keeping her husband company. She then lowers her voice to a loud whisper, "Not everyone has been so nice to him since he's gotten out of prison. I've never for one moment believed he murdered that waitress." Alex chokes on his coffee, the waitress rushes to help other customers, and Daisy says gaily, "Run along, and God bless!" You will fall in love with Daisy and enjoy the futility of Alex's fight not to do the same.

Despite first impressions that this is your typical romance with the naive heroine and a byronic hero, I am pleasantly surprised at how Ms. Phillips handled it. Each setting beautifully described without going to purple prose territory. Characters are all likable. I especially loved Theodosia. One would think Daisy is too sweet to be believed, but she is a very realistic breath of fresh air to the cynical Alex. This is the first book I read from this author and it definitely made me want more.