The Dangerous Gentleman: The Rogues of Regent Street (Mass Market Paperback)

However, I do not consider this book on par with some of her other novels. I really didn't like the hero that much, nor did I find all of his psychological problems particularly interesting. I find it implausible when 18th century characters spout 20th century college psychology. And I find one of the basic premises, that he would kill his best friend, to lack credibility.

With that disclaimer, this isn't a bad read, just not as good as some of her other books.

Adrian Spence, the Earl of Albright, is one vindictive hero. In the opening pages, he has just killed a man in a duel. Deciding to hide out for a while, he travels to his family's country estate. There, he encounters his enraged father. Adrian knows his father has never loved him and realizes he wants a reason to disinherit him. He wants to give his unentailed properties to his favorite son, Benedict. When Adrian's father hears of the fatal duel, he uses it as a reason to finally disinherit Adrian and tells him to never return to the family country estate. Adrian is very upset although the actual disinheritance does not surprise him. His greatest sorrow is that of losing his beloved country estate.

While departing he stops in the nearby village and discovers that his spineless brother, Benedict, is planning to marry Lilliana Dashell, the daughter of a local country gentleman. Apparently Lilliana's father is seriously in debt and has agreed to give Benedict 60% ownership of his estate in exchange for payment of his debts. Adrian sees his father's sordid manipulations in all of it and knows the marriage would be very advantageous for his father since the rich farmland property adjoins his. Adrian decides to wreak revenge on his father and brother and immediately makes a much more attractive offer for Lilliana's hand. Adrian has wealth of his own and can easily afford this well-planned revenge. His offer comes with only one condition - he and Lilliana must marry immediately. He knows that he has probably met her at some time during their childhood but does not remember her. But oh, this is such a fine revenge.

Lilliana is a spunky yet gentle heroine who has always been in love with Adrian Spence. She doesn't really want to marry his brother. But since the marriage is probable and will help her family's finances, she has resigned herself to it. When she is informed of Adrian's request to marry her, she is ecstatic. She can't believe it is really happening and is somewhat suspicious. After all, he doesn't even know her, does he? As he pours on the charm, he convinces her to marry him. He knows he is a highly desirable candidate for marriage to a titled lady much less the daughter of a country gentleman. As soon as they are married and in his coach heading toward Adrian's own country estate, his charm disappears. Adrian makes no effort to converse with Lilliana and seems not interested in her a bit. As we see into his thoughts, we realize that he thinks she is just a boring, country girl without any attractive attributes. He thinks she talks incessantly. He feels no guilt over using her so badly. And as each hour, then day, passes, we really, really want him to get his comeuppance.

Lilliana senses something is wrong as soon as they depart from their wedding. But she is an optimistic sort of gal and keeps hoping for the best. Then she discovers that he didn't even know who she was before he sought her hand. Later she realizes he totally avoids all contact with her during the day. After that, understanding dawns as his superior attitude towards her penetrates her optimism. The only time he seems to appreciate her is during the night before he retires to his own bed. At first she is distressed, then devastated, and finally believes her life is ruined and feels such a fool. At last, she decides she is not going to take it anymore. Her gentile manners are laid aside and she lets her naturally adventuresome personality take over. It is totally entertaining as she surprises Adrian and then silently crosses him or disobeys his edicts. He, in turn, attempts to conceal any emotion towards her actions. This is a thoroughly enjoyable part of the book.

Then, gradually, the real problems begin (yes - it can get a lot worse). Benedict begins to visit the couple frequently and since the brothers have never been close, Adrian is highly suspicious of his brother's actions. Benedict was a real pain - deliberately causing even more problems between Adrian and Lilliana and he finally gets very tiresome. Unfortunately, this is a book that relies heavily on The Big Misunderstanding formula. And it is not just one misunderstanding, but one piled on top of yet another. During all of this, Adrian and Lilliana's sensual relationship is interwoven - on again - off again. These scenes rate about a 4.0 out of 5.0 (see More About Me for rating guidelines).

The Dangerous Gentleman is the first in a series of three books referred to as the Rogues of Regent Street. The second - The Ruthless Charmer and the third - The Beautiful Stranger. This is the first of London's books I have rated less than five stars. She is a favorite author and although this book had some aggravating pages, I have to highly recommend it. It is not often that I praise a book that has The Big Misunderstanding unresolved for so long. But it is just a testament to London's writing skills that it still captivated me totally - right to the last page.