Innocence and Impropriety

Hero Jameson Flynn goes to Vauxhall Gardens in London with his wealthy employer, Tanner, who is eager to meet Vauxhall's newest singing sensation, Rose O'Keefe. Tanner asks Jameson to help him set up a meeting with the lady, but when Jameson sees and hears Rose perform at Vauxhall he discovers he wants her for himself.

Jameson is a good and honorable hero and is trying to do what his employer Tanner asks, but is conflicted because the more he meets and gets to know Rose, the more he finds he is falling in love with her. He also has aspirations of working for the government or royalty sometime in the future.

Rose is a likable and interesting heroine. She has had dreams for most of her life of performing on the stage and being a singer like show more her mother was before she died. While performing at Vauxhall Rose is also attracting the attention of many men. One man in particular, Lord Greythorne, is an evil sadistic character who is interested in the writings of the Marquis de Sade and has engaged in many of de Sade's practices. He added some dark drama and suspense to the story.

This was an enjoyable read. It was slow sometimes, but I really liked the charming Vauxhall and London locations, and Rose and Jameson made a nice couple. show less

Could hardly put it down; fine hero and heroine, as well as wonderful secondary characters. My fave thing about Diane Gaston is the 'verismo', down-to-earth *realism* she imparts. Gorgeous romance... I fell right into the time period. Love her stuff. Will definitely read it again and again.