In Your Arms Again

by Kathryn Smith

Book Overview

Since North Ryland and Octavia March were wrenched apart and their childhood friendship destroyed, much has changed. North has had a successful career as a Bow Street runner, and has made quite a name and fortune for himself. So much so that when Octavia's fianc (for she is now engaged to one of the most desirable men of the town) needs to hire a man to investigate threats on Octavia's safety, he is the only man that will do.

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0060527420
• ISBN13: 9780060527426
• Release Date: May 2004
• Publisher: Avon Books
• Length: 384 Pages
• Weight: 0.44 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 4.3" x 6.9"

Customer Reviews

Solid entry to Ryland Brothers series

North Sheffield-Ryland was the illegitimate son of Viscount Creed. After his mother passed, he was brought to live with his father's three other legitimate sons, his half-brothers. Try as he might he was never fully accepted by society so he diverted his energies into becoming a highly sought after private investigator. In cleaning up dirty little secrets of the ton he gained an acceptance and gratitude that he no longer desired. Based on his reputation, the Earl of Spinton came to him asking for an investigation into disturbing letters his fiancé had been receiving. North knew the man's fiancé, Lady Octavia Vaux-Daventry. Octavia had been his childhood best friend and love whom he'd been forced to give up twelve years ago when her wealthy grandfather came into her life and claimed her as his heir. Convincing North that `he wasn't good enough' for the granddaughter of an earl. Octavia, had resolved herself to keeping the promises made to her mother and grandfather of becoming a lady and marrying Earl Spinton a man she didn't love. Thrown together to smoke out and unmask the author of the letters the passions of their youth were re-kindled with a vengeance. As he worked to expose the blackmailer, another more dangerous enemy emerged. North would be willing to do what ever he had to in order to keep Octavia safe and back in his arms again. *** I've been impressed with this authors ability in crafting well-written, adventuresome and sensual novels while thoroughly enjoying her Ryland brother series. Smith excels in creating strong, yet complex characters in her stories. She puts an edge on North, the dangerous but somewhat tortured hero, and creates empathy for Octavia who so wants to make good on her promises, even at the expense of her own happiness. Her writing is smooth, she establishes a nice intrigue, and the romance is lovely and sensual. While not my favorite Ryland book, I can still recommend it for those like me that tend to follow a well-done series!

An enjoyable part of the Ryland brothers series

While this may not be Ms. Smith's strongest book, I liked it. I enjoy character studies, so if you don't, you may have problems with this. I enjoyed the childhood sweethearts aspect very much; it was so obvious they belonged together. What a wonderful relationship they have. The book also provides more insight into the unmarried brothers, especially Brahm. On the negative side, North's and Octavia's reasons (especially his) for not pursuing a relationship (or even acknowledging a friendship) became old and weak. It was not, perhaps, the most compelling books in terms of its suspense. But I felt that the strong emotional pull and chemistry between the characters overshadowed these negatives. If I had the ability to give portions of stars, I'd rate it at 3.8, but that may only be because I just finished In the Night, which I LOVED. So I'm giving In Your Arms Again a solid 4 stars. I might have rated it higher than four if I'd reviewed it before reading the next entry. I think this is a solid link in the series, one that helps build the whole into something truly wonderful.

Former friends & one time lovers are brought together again

North Sheffield, a former Bow Street Runner and now successful private investigator, is hired by Lord Spinton to find out who is sending unwanted letters of adoration to his intended. North is more than interested in this case, especially since Lord Spinton's intended is none other than Lady Octavia Vaux-Daventry - North's friend and one time lover! While as first hesitant to accept the case given his personal involvement with Octavia, he eventually accepts Lord Spinton's persistent requests as he could not explain the conflict of interest without divulging the secret of his past with Octavia. Once involved with the case, North begins to recall what he loved about Octavia so much and also the reasons - both personal and societal - why he can never be with her again. He cannot believe that he hid these memories and feelings for all those years. Yet, she has a good life to look forward to with Spinton, and he knows he could not ever give her that. Octavia is more than surprised to see North Sheffield brought back into her life by none other than the man who is trying to woo her into marriage. Yet she is glad to see North again, and his presence in her life makes the fact that she would only be marrying Lord Spinton for convenience all the more bitter. As much as Octavia remembers her times with North fondly, society and family see things another way, and Octavia must do what is right. What is expected of her. As the letters to Octavia become more insistent, North devises a brazen plan to try and draw the secret admirer into tipping his hand - North pretends to also court Lady Octavia for her hand in marriage! This plan will also allow North to see more of Octavia, as he is very much aware. As the two former friends spend more time together, the strong feelings from the past come to the surface and result in some very heated moments between North and Octavia. Yet both know they cannot continue the charade - it cannot go any further. But their feelings for one another cannot be denied further. They both realize that any possible future they may have is complicated by what each other brings to the relationship: Octavia's need to fulfill her obligations to family and societal expectations, and North's dangerous past in the criminal underbelly of London. Somehow, these obstacles need to be overcome before they can be truly together again. Ms. Smith brings together a strong cast of characters in this novel, the second in the Ryland Brothers series. North is a dark and dangerous man, observing and protecting London's ton from the seedier aspects of the city. He has trapped away his feelings and emotions, as they are a weakness in his profession that only lead to trouble. Yet his feelings for Lady Octavia will not be held back any longer, and trouble is not far away. Octavia is a woman trying to do the right thing - even if it is the wrong thing for her. Ms. Smith is very astute in capturing the true societal norms of this period in history. Octavia's f

interesting private investigative Regency romance

In 1818 London, North Sheffield, although she was born on the wrong side of the sheets, Octavia Vaux-Deventry attends the gala. Twelve years have passed since North left his beloved Vie and he still cannot resist her. Still he nods no when she walks towards him as he does not want her hurt by an association with him especially as she is engaged to the kind Lord Spinton. North knows his lifestyle of stopping criminals makes him even more unsuitable for a Duke's granddaughter like Vie is.Spinton is concerned over the notes that Vie has been receiving that seem increasingly ominous. Without Vie's permission, he shows North the letters. North says they seem harmless and rejects the case. She knows she will keep her vows to her deceased grandfather and her dead mother to marry Spinton, but still loves Norrie. She receives a new note; a concerned Spinton shows it to Norrie, who decides to investigate. To do so Norrie says he will act as a suitor trying to steal Vie away from Spinton so that they can be seen together in public. Soon love blossoms, but honor keeps both from proceeding with what they truly want.This is an interesting private investigative Regency romance starring two wonderful protagonists and a strong support cast especially her fiancé and her cousin. Especially well done is Spinton, a good man who does not deserve to be hurt. Though the hero has trouble locating the villain while his brother and the heroine have no problems locating the killer, fans will enjoy this fine historical and look forward to future stories starring the lead male's brothers.Harriet Klausner