The King of Threadneedle Street: Rougemont, Book 2

A rich cast of lovable heroes and heroines led by the sure hand of a masterful author in a beautifully balanced yet exciting tale.

This novel is long enough that you really get to know the characters in it. This book has twists and turns that leave you guessing about what is going to happen next. I would recommend this book to any of my family or friends. I look forward to reading other books by this author.

Background: Eighteen year old Alysia Villier has been part of the Tilmore family since she was a young girl. Her mother was an infamous courtesan and the mistress of Lord Courtenay (Marquess by title and head of the Tilmore family). If you read Moriah Densley's "Song for Sophia" you will already know that Alysia and her mother actually lived in the Tilmore home along with the Tilmore family during much of Alysia's growing up years. From an early age, Alysia served in various roles in this home including housekeeper/companion/friend/tutor/steward - whatever was required of her. Alysia's mother passes on but Alysia still lives with the Tilmore family with Lord Courtenay serving as her guardian. Her mother did leave her a substantial inheritance but she will not have access to her funds until she is 21 years old - three more years.Alysia's special friend and sweetheart during her teen years was Andrew Tilmore, Lord Preston, son of Lord Courtenay and heir to the marquessate. Andrew has a brilliant financial mind and has learned to manipulate funds and stocks around the world - hence the term King of Threadneedle Street which represented the London Stock Exchange of that period.When this story begins, a family wedding is about to take place and Andrew, now 21 years old, is returning home from a two year absence - an absence required by his parents in order to break the bond between Andrew and Alysia. They want Andrew to get on with his life and find a suitable wife. However, as soon as Andrew sees Alysia, it is obvious he has not, nor is it likely he will ever get over his feelings for the love of his youth.It seems very cruel but because Alysia is illegitimate and her mother was a courtesan, Lord and Lady Courtenay are determined that she must continue in life as a demimondaine and have made plans for her to take a position as the companion of a viscountess who is an invalid. It is unspoken yet understood that Alysia will actually become the mistress of this invalid's husband. Although Alysia hates the idea of becoming a courtesan, she knows Andrew has a bright future and she has been brought up to believe she would make a totally improper mate. When Andrew realizes what his parents have planned for Alysia, he steps in and begins to try and "manage" Alysia's life because he truly loves her and is determined that she will be his.Alysia has plans of her own, however, and is also a very gifted artist. She leaves the Tilmore home without informing anyone where she will go and heads for France where she pursues her art. While there, she begins to find acceptance as an artist and receives commissions for her art which enables her to earn funds. She believes she can make it on her own until she turns 21 at which time she will receive her inheritance. Unbeknownst to her, her patroness - a woman she trusts - has been promoting the "sale" of Alysia to the highest bidder.This is where the story really begins and the reader is treated to one rescue after another of Alysia - throughout the book by the Absolutely. Amazing. Awesome. Andrew. He is single-minded in his efforts to keep her safe until she will acknowledge that she is "His." On the other hand, Andrew's father is single-minded in his efforts to get Alysia married off so that he can keep her away from Andrew. So what you have are three long years where Alysia moves around - sometimes with Andrew's help and at other times when she takes matters into her own hands. Along the way, Alysia finds that she does have friends in addition to Andrew - Lord and Lady Devon (Wilhelm and Sophia) and Lady Devon's mother all give Alysia their love, encouragement and provide places for her to stay.*Spoilers* Andrew comes in and out of her life during these three years and I loved it when he told Alysia that she was "His" over and over again. At one point he basically said: he would have as a sister, as his mistress or as his wife but that she was "His." I realize Andrew's strong determination was off-putting to some readers but the fact that he never wavered in his steadfast goal to have Alysia endeared his character to my soul. His love and passion for Alysia was not to be denied and he would allow nothing to stand in his path even if it required setting the financial world of that day on its end and/or successfully battling his wily parents.I didn't like it that Sophia rejected Andrew's marriage proposals over and over and over. I liked it even less that they were apart for months at a time and would not even hear from one another during some periods for months. Unlike many books where the H/h are kept apart, at least this book continued to hold my interest. I loved the fact that Ms. Densley didn't require the clutter of a lot of senseless sexual acts between the H/h to craft a lovely romance wherein there is a great deal of desire and yet, the lovers have learned to love without engaging in "hot sex." I loved it that Andrew was celibate during the three long years he and Alysia waited to have their HEA. I loved it that he expressed his regret about having sexual partners during the years of his youth. I loved it that we were able to revisit Wilhelm and Sophia and their children. Especially endearing was the scene where Alysia drew a picture of their family during the music hour.Yes, there were a couple of things about the story line that I disliked, however, I can give this book nothing less than 5 stars. I look forward with great expectancy to the enjoyable reading of future books by this author.

Enjoyed reading this book but at times it seemed a bit long winded. 2nd book I have read in this Rougemont series. This chapter at the back is from the previous book. My pet hate, adverts for other books. Good author.

Have enjoyed this book although I felt the heroine needed a spanking she was just a tad to stubborn, and repeatative. The hero was great. Strong, smart and devoted