Lady Annabelle was labeled The Ordinary during her first season and the nickname stuck. Even though the name causes her pain, she holds her head up and will not accept anything less than true love, the kind of love her parents shared. When Ian MacKay shows an interest in Annabelle, she reluctantly begins to believe that they may just share the kind of love she has always dreamed. Her dreams quickly die when she learns that Ian must marry an Englishwoman to fulfill his stepfather’s will so that he can gain money needed to restore his estate.

When Ian shares the list of requirements he drew up before his quest began, she is undeniably hurt as the list includes being plain, older and practical and Ian believes she fits all of these requirements. Annabelle refuses to be married to a man who believes she is all of these things and who does not love her. She did not count on Ian’s refusal to accept her denial of his proposal and steps up his courtship. Ian isn’t the only man after Lady Annabelle’s hand in marriage. A man desperate for the money in the form of her dowry is determined to have Annabelle as his wife and he will do anything to have her.

Annabelle’s Courtship is a charming story that brings to mind the gentle romances I fell in love with long ago. Lucy Monroe adds passion to the tale giving it a wonderful freshness and a modern feel. Annabelle is not a meek and mild female with no brain and ambitions. Her hurt at Ian’s cavalier list of requirements broke my heart and Ian’s determination to have her for his wife healed it. The love story between Annabelle and Ian alone would have made a wonderful story and the addition of the evil suitor turns Annabelle’s Courtship into a must read! I was amazed at the temerity of the villain and waited impatiently for his comeuppance. Lucy Monroe has renewed my love of the historical with this wonderfully sweet story and I highly recommend it!