Secrets to a Gentleman´s Heart.( Uncle Charlie´s Angels #1) by Samantha Grace. My ARC Review

WITH UNCLE CHARLES AWAY, THE RAKES ARE OUT TO PLAY 

When Regina Darlington’s globetrotting guardian doesn’t return from his latest adventure before the start of the Season, she finds herself the object of a scandalous challenge. It seems every scoundrel in London is trying to seduce her right under the nose of her nearly blind and beloved great aunt. Fortunately, her eccentric uncle taught her an ancient warrior art for just these circumstances, and she is adequately equipped to defend her virtue. Protecting her heart is another matter. When a down-and-out thief accidentally knocks himself unconscious at Wedmore House, Regina takes pity on him and becomes his nursemaid. But her patient is no ordinary thief, and Regina is woefully unprepared to defend herself against the charms of the handsome stranger. 

New Orleans gadabout Xavier Vistoire made a powerful enemy during his stay in London two years ago, and he has been paying for it ever since. Imprisoned at a remote farmhouse with nothing but a burly guard with a childlike innocence and a love for pickled beets for companionship, Xavier jumps at the chance to earn his freedom. All he must do is break into an earl’s house and steal a map, which should be easy when the only male servant has resigned and the ladies of the house are attending a ball. But complications arise when he surprises a goddess during her bath and her little dog causes him to fall down the stairs. He wakes to find he has a beautiful new gaoler, and nothing about his situation is easy except falling head over heels for Miss Darlington. 

Xavier has been held against his will for over two years. To earn his release his is tasked with finding and stealing a map from a household in London.  His hope to get the job done quickly and return home to America is scuttled by a poodle.
Regina and her sisters live with their Aunt Beatrice in Uncle  Charles' house. Charles is an archeologist, and adventurer. He is away somewhere on his travels. The women he has left behind are well able to take care of themselves. They have had a very unusual upbringing. 

I won't say any more about the story because it is a mystery, and I don't want to spoil it for you. It is full of danger, adventure and humour. Our heroine is an incredible, brave and intelligent woman. Definitely not your normal Regency miss.
Our reluctant hero has had his whole life turned upside down. He also finds his family is not where he left them. He must do his best to keep everyone out of danger from the powerful men who threaten them.

 This is obviously the first of a series. Easily read as a stand alone, but it will intrigue you enough to want to read the others. I certainly will.

Historical romance author Samantha Grace discovered the appeal of a great love story when she was just a young girl, thanks to Disney's Robin Hood. She didn't care that Robin Hood and Maid Marian were cartoon animals. It was her first happily-ever-after experience and she didn't want the warm fuzzies to end. Now Samantha enjoys creating her own happy-endings for characters that spring from her imagination. Publisher's Weekly describes her stories as "fresh and romantic" with subtle humor and charm. Samantha describes romance writing as the best job ever. 

Part-time medical social worker, moonlighting author, and pilates nut, she enjoys a happy and hectic life with her real life hero and two kids in the Midwest.