Sophie Andrews doesn't care that botany is a man's field of endeavor. She is a woman ahead of her time, devoted and dedicated to her work. Sophie chances upon a rare and nearly perfect specimen and is intent upon collecting a sample when she notices she is no longer alone. A handsome young stranger has invaded her privacy, and Sophie is soon drawn in by his charm and easy manner. But what also captures her interest is that Ian Blackpool shares her interest in plants and does not find her love of botany the least bit unladylike.

Excited by the possibilities for this new and budding relationship, Sophie is heartbroken to learn that Ian is nothing more than a swindler of innocents as he travels from town to town in his wagon selling "potions." During his performance, she publicly denounces him as a liar and a fraud, but his charm and quick thinking only add to his show. Angry at his effect on her senses, Sophie tries to forget him, but their paths are destined to cross again.

When Sophie's uncle is robbed and taken hostage, Ian Blackpool insists on helping to gain her uncle's freedom. Ian refuses to think this show of chivalry has anything to do with the feelings Sophie arouses in him. After all, Ian doesn't believe in love, and it's the reason he continues to work toward making that perfect and carefully measured combination of herbs that will create it for him. He continues to search for "love in a bottle," but a simple touch from Sophie has shaken Ian's carefully thought out theory about love. Maybe Sophie and Ian both have a lot to learn about love.

A woman pursuing work in a man's field finding someone to encourage and share her passion is a good pairing for romance. But add to that the fact that they are totally unsuitable for each other makes it perfect. The hero and heroine take center stage with their intimacy and an emotional connection right from the beginning. There is humor as well as passion, and the author's talent at writing good dialogue and a smooth writing style add much to the enjoyment of the story. Secondary characters also add their own particular kind of uniqueness to the mix to make this a fun historical read.

Book Summary

Sophie Andrews: She'd rather be in the fields with her hands deep in the earth, studying plants, than playing the coquette in the drawing room. A chance encounter with a rakish peddler has this unconventional spirit learning that she may be a lady in a man's world, but she's still a woman.

Ian Blackpool: With his charming, roguish smile, he can sell you bottles of potion guaranteeing love. But he might not buy it himself. This mountebank's search for the secret of love has taken him all over the world, but one beautiful English botanist may hold the answer he's been pursuing.

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