"An exciting finale to this great romance series"
In 1834, one of the four Rogues of Regent, St. Phillip
Rothembow, forces a duel with his friend Adrian Spence and
dies. The three survivors, Adrian, Arthur Christian, and
Julian Dare all take it badly and three years later still
grieve Phillip's actions. In 1837, Phillip's dad angrily confronts Arthur over a
legal document that shows the deceased bought worthless
Scottish property that has taxes in arrears. Rothembow
obtains a vow from Arthur to fix it. Still feeling guilty
and needing to escape his sister-in-law's matchmaking
efforts, Arthur travels to Edinburgh to evict the current
tenant, Mr. Fraser. Fraser is dead, but his wife Kerry McKinnon receives the
eviction notice. Apparently her late spouse owes taxes and
money on a loan. Kerry visits Lord Montcrieffe who offers
his dimwitted son in marriage in order to pay the debt.
Kerry refuses but while waiting for the public carriage
meets Arthur. Thinking he is a highwayman, she shoots him.
Now their story really begins. THE BEAUTIFUL STRANGER is an exciting conclusion to the
Rogues of Regent St. trilogy. (See THE DANGEROUS GENTLEMAN
and THE RUTHLESS CHARMER). The story line is loaded with
action and romance as the charming lead couple struggles
with their feelings for each other. The supporting cast
including the return of stars and secondary players from
the previous tales brings to life the era as well as adding
depth to Kerry and Arthur. Julia London has written a
powerful final act to a strong miniseries and, in doing so,
demonstrates why historical romances are so much fun to
read. Harriet Klausner
Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted July 4, 2001
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