Margaret Tregwyth has a small problem. Her family has no money, and her brother is forcing her to marry a man who disgusts her. She decides to run away, rather than do what her brother is ordering. As Margaret gets lost in a nearby town, she is accosted by some unscrupulous men, but saved by a gentleman. At first he mistakes her for a loose woman, but after Margaret explains herself, he buys her some food and asks her to marry him.

Lord Nicholas Templeton needs to “hire” a wife and feels Margaret will be the perfect candidate. Even though she is shocked by his offer, she has no where else to turn to and accepts. Nicholas thinks they will have a passionless marriage where Margaret’s only responsibility will be to give him heirs.

They soon become married, but instead of Nicholas trying to get her pregnant, he takes his time, making sure Margaret will be comfortable in her new situation. As Nicolas begins to know his lovely wife and they become friends, he finds himself wanting more. But he won’t allow himself to give into his attraction to Margaret that is until he realizes that he may loose her forever.

Love Be Damned is a simple tale of two people who are strangers in everyway but through time and understanding true love grows between them. Both Margaret and Nicolas are a bit funny in their thinking, especially that of Nicolas who thinks he can do without love. When these two allow each other into their hearts, then the story moves in a wonderful direction. The road to happiness is not an easy one for our lovers and Rodine Dobeck comes up with some road blocks that may make some readers roll their eyes. But never the less, I believed that a happily ever after was in the future for Mr. and Mrs. Templeton, and the passion they have for each other is also very telling. Fans of historical romance will not be disappointed in Love Be Damned and should enjoy the way Margaret and Nicolas fall for each other.

Reviewed by: Katie