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4.0 out of 5 stars
Actually 4 and 1/2 stars... excellent but not my favorite, Feb 16 2004
Francis is wonderful. There's no place else to start. No other man could have been what the heroine, Serena, needed. He is kind, gentle, and patient, and a world removed from most heroes in the love & morality department. He is also very honorable, which creates a difficult situation for him that ends in the love of his life.Serena is a slightly "tainted" heroine, though through no fault of her own. Her family, her brothers in particular, are vile creatures who ultimately get what they deserve. And, thanks to Francis and the Rogues, Serena gets the place in society and the love and security that she deserves. It's a beautiful tale. As is typical with Beverley's novels, there's darkness present--this time in the form of the humiliations of Serena's first marriage and how that affects her relationship with Francis. But it's a case of all's well that ends well. This story is somewhat bittersweet, and a part of me wonders how much difficulty they'll have making it work in the long haul. But if anyone can, it's sweet but strong Francis. As other writers have said, the race scene is hilarious (you'll meet it again in Dangerous Joy), and the secondary romance with Francis' mother is rather silly. But all told, a great read.
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by Jo Beverley
by Jo Beverley
by Jo Beverley
by Jo Beverley
by Jo Beverley
