"Terrific Regency romance"

In 1805 London, Bethany Penny handles the cooking at her family run gambling spot Penny House, a favorite locale of the Ton. She also feeds the poor who come around for handouts at the back door.

After serving in the Peninsular, William Calloway returns to London a broken soul with a mission. He plans to prove Bethany poisoned members of his regiment. However, not too long after meeting Bethany, William believes she is innocent. Instead of being shocked by his investigation with her as the prime suspect, Bethany joins him. As they work to uncover who the killer is, they begin to fall in love. However though he will die for his Bethany, William has secrets that once revealed will turn his beloved from loving him to loathing him.

THE LADY'S HAZARD is a terrific Regency romance starring a courageous caring female and a somewhat tortured male. Bethany's goodness brings light into William's darkened soul, but apparently not enough as he believes he is not good enough for her. Bethany sees deep into his inner most sanctuary and concludes William is a good person and refuses to accept his denial of her belief. The mystery adds spice to a fine historical making sub-genre fans want more Penny novels.

Harriet Klausner

Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted November 15, 2005