"Charming Indeed"

I stumbled upon Julia London, author of the Rogues of Regent Street series quite by accident, but I am glad I did. While Regency-era romance novels are popular, the setting and culture are often over- done and lack originality. That is one of the reasons I have enjoyed the three books I have read by this author; her stories focus on a central theme that shows how each man copes with (each in a different novel), the writing is rather intense and emotional, and the characters all experience situations that ordinary people can relate to, whether they are living in Regency England or contemporary Nebraska. Ruthless Charmer is the second in the series.

Julian Dane, the sexy and devoted Earl of Kettering, has spent most of his adult life raising four younger sisters and seducing wealthy women throughout London's high society. However, his heart has always belonged to Claudia Whitney, the former fiancee of his now- dead best friend, Phillip Rothembow, a situation that causes Julian to be guilt- ridden and miserable. But he decides to make her his, his conscience be damned.

Claudia, the only daughter of a stodgy, conservative, and cold-hearted advisor to the king, has loved Julian since she was a star- struck, mischievous child when she spent her summers with Julian's sisters. But his reputation and her bitterness over the death of Phillip keeps her from seeing the amazing loyalty and devotion he shows those he cares for. That doesn't prevent her from being very attracted to him, but she manages to hold out for quite some time before admitting to both him and herself that she loves him.

A compromising situation forces them together, but family tensions and distrust prevent them from finding happiness. In all honesty, this was a marvelous book. I fell completely in love with Julian and I greatly admired Claudia's strength and determination. The story was compelling and kept me chained to my seat, anxiously turning the pages, desperate to find out if they ever resolved their problems.

However, do not anticipate a fabulous ending to match a fabulous book. It is rather anti-climactic and leaves you wondering "now what?"

Read it anyway. It's worth your time, I promise. It does help to read the series in order so as to avoid spoiling the surprises in the previous book, THE DANGEROUS GENTLEMAN, or in the third story, THE BEAUTIFUL STRANGER.

Reviewed by Kelley Hartshorn
Posted September 18, 2003

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Summary

Julian Dane, the Earl of Kettering is being slowly tormented by guilt. Once Phillip's Rothembow's constant companion in gaming rooms and notorious boudoirs, he struggles with Phillip's death for months until he is teetering on the brink of self-destruction. Phillip's death has made Julian believe he harms those he loves. Phillip is not the first--as the guardian of four younger sisters, Julian has never been able to overcome his guilt at having lost one to fever. He believes he didn't do enough to save Valerie, and now, after months of painful reflection, he is quite certain he didn't do enough to save Phillip--because he secretly loved Phillip's intended, Claudia Whitney. It is a guilt that plagues Julian almost unto death--until he sees Claudia again. The desire for her is too strong, overpowering his guilt, and Julian fears he will stop at nothing to have her.

Unfortunately for Julian, he is the last person Claudia wants to see. Having known the most handsome Rogue for years, she sees nothing more than a charming rakehell with a horrid reputation for loving and leaving. Worse, she believes it was Julian who led Phillip down a path of debauchery and finally, death. A forward thinking daughter of an influential duke, Claudia would rather become a spinster than attach herself to the likes of Julian Dane. But as hard as she might, she cannot deny the strong physical attraction she has to him.

It is an extremely compromising situation that throws them together. But it is their growing desire for one another that pulls Julian back from the brink of despair by showing him the quality of love and infusing him with a revived will to live.