The first in Linda Needham's Gentleman Rogues trilogy, THE PLEASURE OF HER KISS tries for an interesting premise but never manages to rise above its flaws. While Kathryn is supposed to be an independent and strong-willed heroine, more often than not she comes across as abrasive and manipulative. The question at the heart of this story is never answered. Why? Why does Kathryn embrace the cause of famine relief so vehemently, to the point that she breaks the law? She isn't Irish, nor does she have any Irish relatives or friends, other than those she meets after she gets involved. Given the absence of an answer, she's a bleeding heart who's out of control. As for the hero, it's hard to like one that seems to take a back seat to such an overpowering heroine. Given the time period and the setting of this story, Jared's continuous acceptance of Kathryn's actions is just one more discordant note in an already uneasy mix.
