As one of Kleypas's earlier novels, I should've expected this to be more rape-y than her more recent fare. I've read interviews by her where she talks about how much she cringes at her old stuff, boy, I don't blame her. I really want to enjoy these books, but when the heroine is saying "No" over and over again, I just can't get into it. Luckily, this didn't last very long, but it certainly marred my impression of this book.

Aside from his rape-y behavior, I liked Nick Gentry for his complicated past and difficulty dealing with it. He's complex and brooding with a purpose, which I appreciate. I also liked Lottie for her determination and resourcefulness, and I thought they made a good couple. They both had some deep-rooted insecurities to work through, and I enjoyed watching them try to overcome it together. I do wish I could've seen more of that. Kleypas would summarize what I consider key points of the novel when a scene about the action would've been more impactful. For example, she talks about how Gentry flies into a temper when his past is brought up, so Lottie learns to steer away from this. I don't want to be told this! I want to be shown it! Show me where she learns to bite her tongue and tread on eggshells, show me that tortured side of Gentry. Kleypas is capable of writing nuance, but she traded it for more sex, which is annoying.

In spite of these shortcomings, this book easily could've been a 4 for me if it wasn't for that ending. These books are fantasy, and in my historical romance fantasy, the hero is dashing and saves the heroine from mortal danger right after he realizes he couldn't live without her. This next bit is a spoiler, so proceed with caution.

First of all, he doesn't learn she's kidnapped until it happened FOREVER AGO. Then, by the time he finds out and decides to do something about it, she's ALREADY ESCAPED AND MET HIM AT THE OFFICE. As cool as a cucumber, she waltzes in and is like "oh, my abductor is dead. I'm fine." Because that's the NATURAL reaction a kidnapped person would have. She's not even THANKFUL to see Gentry. She's just like "oh my gosh, you're embarrassing me by kissing me in front of all these people. Why are you kissing me?" Lady, you were kidnapped, and the plot went from 0 to 100 back down to -5 so quick I got whiplash, and you're confused as to why your HUSBAND is RELIEVED YOU'RE ALIVE? I like strong, independent women, but Lottie is just crazy.

This book is crazy. This whole series is crazy, but if you like crazy, go for it. ( )

This book felt like the hero from one put and the heroine from another book met and fell in love. It was weird. ( )

Bow Street Runners
4 Stars

Hired by a jilted suitor to locate his runaway bride, Nick Gentry is surprised to discover that Charlotte Howard has good reason to escape her obsessive husband-to-be. He is just as surprised by his own attraction to the courageous Lottie and makes the impulsive decision to provide her with protection by marrying her himself.

Nick and Charlotte are an engaging couple. She is spirited and intelligent with an iron will as demonstrated by the fact that she not only decides to escape her arranged marriage at a time when such things were widely accepted, but also succeeds in eluding Lord Radnor for so long.

Nick is similar to other Kleypas heroes - sexy and powerful with a touch of the bad boy thrown in for good measure. His traumatic past and coping mechanisms only make him all the more endearing. He and Charlotte have intense chemistry and their romance is deeply sensual. Kleypas certainly knows how to write an steamy sex scene.

Unfortunately, the plot is where Worth Any Price encounters some difficulties. Aside from its predictability, the stalking suitor storyline is underdeveloped, the final confrontation is anti-climactic and the resolution is completely illogical since when does a psychotic and obsessive stalker kill himself rather than the object of his “affection”. Moreover, despite the build up of Lottie’s relationship with her parents, they are never forced to atone for their actions and the plot point is left dangling.

All in all, this is an entertaining conclusion to the Bow Street Runners series and the short appearance by my favorite Kleypas hero, Marcus Marsden, Earl of Westcliff, earns it an extra half star. ( )

4.5 stars

This was my favorite of the Bow Street Runners books, and I’m kind of surprised. The way Nick was in the previous book, I didn’t expect to like him as much as I did, but Kleypas did a great job developing his vulnerability, and his character really is irresistible in this book. I loved Lottie too, her straightforward, kind nature and courage. The two made a sweet couple, and I had a hard time putting down the book. Getting to see characters from the other books in the series, and even a beloved one from the Wallflowers series, made this a nice, snuggly comfort read.
There was one scene I wish had been left out (you’ll know it when you see it), and I could see Lord Radnor’s revenge plan from a mile off, but otherwise it was lovely to read Kleypas again.

P.S. I don’t know what’s up with the cover art. ( )

Nick Gentry, además de un hombre con una historia oscura y complicada, es considerado el amante más experimentado de toda Inglaterra en los tiempos de la reina Victoria. Conocido por su habilidad para resolver situaciones delicadas, es contratado por lord Radnor para encontrar a Charlotte Howard. Nick cree que podrá realizar su misión sin complicaciones... pero sólo antes de conocer a la dama en cuestión.
En lugar de una joven caprichosa, encuentra a una mujer desesperada, que se oculta de un noble obsesionado por conseguirla. Entonces Nick le hace una propuesta totalmente inesperada: le pide que sea su prometida.
Nick sabe que la unión será mucho más que un simple acuerdo verbal, pero se llevará una sorpresa, ya que pronto descubrirá que hace falta mucho más que pasión para ganarse el amor de Charlotte. Y aun si lo lograra, ¿sería el amor suficiente para derrotar no sólo a los fantasmas de su pasado sino también a lord Radnor, que parece dispuesto a todo por conseguir a Charlotte?