Miss Temperance Flowerdew is on her way to work when a stranger suddenly grabs her off the street and sends her on a Chicago-bound train before she can figure out what happened.

When Mr. Gilbert Cavendish is called upon to rescue a missing woman, he follows the trail to Chicago only to discover that the woman is his good friend Temperance. Before they can discover who was behind the abduction, they’re seen alone together by a New York society matron, putting their reputations at risk.

Gilbert is willing to propose marriage–except Temperance will have none of it. She’s finally stepped out of the shadow of her relations and won’t give up her independence. But when it becomes clear the misunderstanding in Chicago has escalated into a threat on her life and followed her to New York, accepting Gilbert’s help in solving the mystery may lead to more than she ever could have dreamed.

My Review

I am glad to see Temperance coming into her own in Caught by Surprise. We’ve seen her on the sidelines for two books, and I’ve been waiting for the day to see her burst out; it’s finally here. I will spare you all of the puns rolling about in my head that have to do with temper- so many definitions, and the verb, and as a prefix…I digress. Jen delivers another entertaining read that, while a bit predictable, has enough twists to keep you guessing and a steadily stoking romance. This story has a slower pace romance, in my opinion, for a Jen book, but she makes an art out of tension.

So for those of you who prefer that with the kisses few and far between, like a kettle simmering, you’ll want to put this on your to-read list. If you’re looking for a light funny read that makes you smile beginning to end, also add it. If you prefer real-life grit and a box of Kleenex – still add it; you need a break from the drama.

All of the lovable secondary characters have returned. I’m REALLLY hoping that some day we get to read about an older romance focused on Mr. Barclay (hint, Jen! While you’re at it there are some lovable secondary characters from other series I’d also like to see, so maybe just write a collection of novellas on them all?)

Happy reading!

I was provided a copy of this novel by the publisher. A positive review wasn’t required. All opinions are mine.

About the Author

Jen spends her time taking care of her hubs, writing, avoiding writing by cleaning, and entertaining us all on Facebook because real life can be funnier than fiction. Seriously, follow her on FB; I’ve laughed so hard.

And now for the real bio:

Jen Turano is a USA Today Bestselling author, known for her quirky characters and amusing story lines. Her novel, After a Fashion, was a Reviewer’s Choice finalist with RT, as well as being named a top ten romance of 2015 from Booklist. Her book, A Most Peculiar Circumstance, was chosen as a top ten romance by Booklist in 2013, and Booklist has called her “One of the funniest voices in the inspirational genre.” When she’s not writing, Jen spends her time outside of Denver, CO. She can be found on Facebook or visit her on the web at www.jenturano.com.