Beatrice is the eldest child of famous actor parents (who died some years ago) and she has been bringing up her four siblings. They all live in a huge Victorian house in Wimbledon. Beatrice's step-sister, Lucilla, who has also been living with them, (from Beatrice's mother's other marriage) invites her step-brother Elliott to stay for a few months while work is being done on his London apartment. Unknown to Beatrice, Elliott has been romantically interested in her for years. Beatrice doesn't think much of herself. Her siblings are totally gorgeous and she knows she doesn't fit in with the rest of them. (They are tall, slim, and good-looking. She is small, curvy, and plain. She wears baggy, dull, and drab clothes to not draw attention to herself.) Her siblings are also very spoiled and expect her to do everything for them. When Elliott arrives he proceeds to subtly change things. He suggests Beatrice hire a new housekeeper (his old nanny) so she has more time for herself and he makes her see how selfish her siblings are.

I really loved Elliott, he was a wonderful hero! Sexy, and thoughtful, and caring. And I do love a besotted hero. I liked Beatrice too, even though, at the beginning of the book, she was a bit too self-sacrificing and let her family walk all over her. Later on in the book she finally admitted they treated her like a doormat. I also liked the couple (Lucia and Carlo) she befriended when she went to Italy. Lucia (and Elliott) finally opened Beatrice's eyes to how attractive she really was.

This was a lovely, sweet, and romantic read by Frances Roding (aka Penny Jordan). ( )