THE EXPLORER BARONESS is the third story in the Heirs in Waiting trilogy.  When the handsome son of a Baron meets a woman who defies the constraints of London’s proper society, he must make the ultimate decision to pursue the woman at the cost of his reputation.  Yet, once he captures her heart, can he give her the life she desires?  Or will marrying her destroy her adventurous spirit?

Gregory Lattimer is the handsome son of Baron Vraux.  He has many family obligations as his father prefers secluding himself with his collections instead of caring for his land or family.  When Gregory goes to settle a debt with a local antiques dealer, he encounters the enchanting Ms. Charis Dunnfield.  Charis has lived an extraordinary life traveling with her father on business.  She has traveled between London and Constantinople, preferring the latter’s climate and culture.  She has had many freedoms that other women have not, and she feels stifled in London society.  However, when she opens the door and finds the dashing Gregory Lattimer on her doorstep, Charis starts to rethink what her future might look like.   What begins as a friendship, morphs into Charis acting as a matchmaker for Gregory, to finally Charis realizing her true feelings for the kind and handsome Baron’s son. 

This is a well-crafted historical romance with a handsome Baron’s son and a headstrong well-traveled female.  Along with their developing relationship, both characters face other dilemmas including a mother being ostracized from London society and a father’s decreasing health.   The story has multiple layers and the relationship develops nicely deepening the emotional connection to the characters.  Set in 1834 London with an excursion to the Sussex coast, the author paints a vivid picture of life during that time with rich historical details.  On all accounts, THE EXPLORER BARONESS is a wonderful way to wrap up the Heirs in Waiting trilogy.