If you like Jo Beverley and her rogues, this is Beverley at her best. The plot is predictable, but the characters come alive. Both hero and heroine are likeable, real [as far as the romance genre goes], and fun. And if you haven't read MY LADY NORTORIOUS, the first in this series, don't miss its reissue. ( )

A comfort and a reasonably frequent reread, I liked this book because for once it properly addressed the very real dilemma for a duke's daughter when she falls in love with someone too far beneath her in the social scale. She really does worry about it, and how people will react and how her family will handle it, and she does try, rather hard, to fall in love with someone more suitable, but Races charm and mischief hold her like no other. I liked both Anne and Race and believed their dilemma, and though the solution was too neat, the romance worked very well for me. I've reread it several times, it's a keeper for me. ( )

Lady Anne Peckworth is tired of pity. Her last two suitors (both members of the Company of Rogues) have both jilted her, and her turned foot and retiring nature have kept her away from Society for her past Seasons. Now, after some needling from the irritating and highly unsuitable Race de Vere, Lady Anne is determined to marry. Her family is delighted to show her off in hopes of snagging one of the Season's most eligible bachelors - including her childhood friend Tristan St. Raven, but after Race's kisses, Anne can't seem to find another suitor who can measure up to the passion he makes her feel.

Racecombe de Vere is a nobody in Society. He's excellent company, witty and handsome, but he is cursed with a name that practically screams impostor, an ambitious father who seeks to bastardize him, and no inclination for the life of a gentleman. Race had originally attached himself to Anne's brother Uffham to do his duty by The Company of Rogues and ensure that she soon forgot her former suitors, but he soon discovered a side of her full of passion and thirst for adventure. And although he yearns for her, his honor will not let him forget how far beneath her in station he truly is.

The first few scenes were great fun when Race was still getting to know Anne - the sexual tension was wonderful, but throughout most of the book Anne is trying to stay away from Race to pick someone who is suitable for marriage, and Race is avoiding Anne. Not the greatest way to make a love story work. The end was very nice (particularly the part with the highwayman), but on the whole I wanted something to show off the side of Race that caused him to dress in women's clothing and simper at the guards at the end of The Dragon's Bride.

Not a bad book, indeed had it involved anyone but Race, I would probably have enjoyed it much more. But it was supposed to be Race, and the laughing seraph and scoundrel from The Dragon's Bride just didn't match up with this serious fellow concerned with proprieties. Although he had a few witty moments in which he showed his outrageous familiar self, for the most part the character I loved has been buried in a man who annoys everyone and cannot seem to help it. Nor does he want to. Seriously, there was far too much slapping then immediately apologizing for this story to work for me. And there was far too much self-denial. I had such high hopes for Race.

I did, however, love the play that paralleled the story, and I absolutely adored Tris. I'm very excited to read his book, and I desperately hope that he won't be turned into yet another tortured soul. I don't like tortured souls. ( )