A principled man, Trevillion is willing to break rules for a good cause. Instead, he sublimates his budding love for her into a desire to see her happy. He cares about her even as he acknowledges that there is no future for them. It is clear from the beginning of this novel that his feelings for Phoebe have moved beyond the impersonal. James Trevillion is a man struggling against his own limitations.

“He might be a cripple on land but by God in the saddle he was a demon.” As a story about Phoebe wanting and crafting her own freedom, I especially appreciated that she is an active participant in her claiming her own freedom. This book wonderfully depicts Phoebe’s point of view including her anger and at times desperation about her blindness, but also her strength in learning to do for herself. Readers of the series will recall that he is intensely protective of those he loves – especially Phoebe. As a right of passage for all the Batten sisters, she also has to confront her brother, Maximus. As the book develops, Phoebe grows and develops more of a tartness that she displays. She is a strong young woman trying to balance her love for others, her own desires and her fears. Phoebe has a sweetness but she is not silly or annoying. As this book opens, she has finally had enough of those who love her trying to protect her. Phoebe is young, sweet, caring and has the Batten stubbornness and willfulness. “Blindness had neutered her in the eyes of the world.” He was a cynical, older ex-soldier and his blood ran common red.” She had the blue blood of centuries of aristocrats running in her veins. “She was everything he was not: young, innocent, filled with the joy of life. OPINION: The sister of a Duke and an ex-dragoon are the definition of two people who have no business falling in love with one another. When Phoebe becomes the target for a kidnapping, James must risk his life to save her from being forced into marriage. Despite his injury, he is still able to shoot and ride and the Duke of Wakefield has hired him to be the bodyguard for his youngest sister. Almost completely blind, Phoebe now has to deal with the bodyguard her brother has imposed upon her.Ĭaptain James Trevillion was forced to leave his service in the King’s dragoons by a serious injury that left him with a limp (events depicted in DUKE OF MIDNIGHT).

She is young and loves the social whirl that she has been almost completely excluded from by her brother, the Duke of Wakefield. THE STORY: Lady Phoebe Batten struggles against the restrictions imposed upon her.

“Wasn’t freedom a universal desire? Something every human being longed for no matter their circumstances?” Two People Who Will Not Be Limited By Others’ Expectations of Them

Thief of Shadows by Elizabeth Hoyt