More and More

Finch More is 29 years old, a confirmed spinster and bluestocking who helps her brother Latimer run his import business. Finch once knew what it was like to be loved by a man, and she knows it's not love that has Viscount Kilrood so interested in her. Whatever his designs, she is certain they're not proper. The question is, does she mind? Despite her efforts, Finch cannot deny her attraction to the viscount.

Ross has no idea why he is so attracted to thin, red-headed Finch. What he is certain of is that he'll do everything within his power to protect her from the villains who seek to destroy what he has worked so hard to protect. He never meant to embroil Finch and her brother in his life of intrigue, but his growing need to claim Finch as his own overshadows everything else.

More and More is a novel filled with sensuality, intrigue and humor. While Finch and Ross struggle with the feelings blossoming between them, the ghost of Septimus Spivey, an architect whose flamboyant personality was outshone only by his creations, plots to bring them together. Septimus even plays a part in helping sort out the mystery plot in the book.

Septimus isn't the only interesting character in the book. There is a whole cast of supporting and entertaining characters. At first it is somewhat difficult to keep them all straight, but Cameron doesn't allow anyone - not even Septimus - to steal the spotlight from Finch and Ross.

The sexual tension between Ross and Finch is evident from the beginning. They have several erotic encounters throughout the book although actual intercourse doesn't happen for quite sometime. Ross spends a great deal of the book aroused by Finch, but ends up seeing to her pleasure and satisfaction before his own. Finch talks about propriety and what they should and shouldn't do, but it's apparent that she wants Ross as much as he wants her. It's also apparent that she wants not only his body but his heart as well. Ross manages to deny his feelings for a while longer.

Finch is a delightful character. She's mature and confident. She knows her limitations and is not afraid to admit fear or defeat. Thankfully, Cameron has made her a strong heroine - not one of these women who decide to take matters into their own hands and then end up having to be rescued. She is brave and intelligent, and more than a match for Ross who is often a bit boorish with his arrogance. Ross also has the unfortunate propensity to become aroused at the most inappropriate times, and the rather annoying habit of referring to Finch as girl - a pretty inappropriate from of address for a twenty-nine year old woman.

In addition to Ross's occasionally annoying behavior, I found that the plot moved somewhat slowly. Perhaps if it weren't for all the extra characters running around things would have picked up speed. While the extra characters contributed to the "who dunnit?" feel, they threatened to overwhelm the pacing of the book.

This was my first book by Stella Cameron, and while this one isn't a keeper, I'm willing to give her another chance. After all, an author who can name the hero's pet bird "Pecker" and not have it seem contrived is definitely worth a second look.

LLB: Cameron's Bride is delicious and I recommend it - I gave it the equivalent of a B at TRR.

-- Kate Smith

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