"A wonderful Regency Historical from Jo Beverley"

1816
When Tristan Tregallows, Duke of St. Raven poses as the infamous highwayman Le Corbeau, and holds up a coach on a country road he suspects something is not right with the two occupants. The man, Viscount Crofton, has a reputation for debauchery and Tris cannot see any good reason why he should be in the company of an innocent young woman who is not a relative. Impulsively, Tris kidnaps this damsel in distress in order to "save her from a fate worse than death". But the woman is not suitably grateful, in fact she fights to get away, so Tris is forced to tie her up and deposit her in his hideaway home. Later, when he discovers that she is indeed in trouble, what must he do but join in on her adventure in order to help her and keep her safe?

Cressida Mandeville's father had lost Stokley Manor to Viscount Crofton in a game of cards. The shock of the loss incapacitated her father, especially when he discovered that the jewels he had hidden were missing. Cressida devised a scheme to recover the jewels, which she believes to still be at the Manor. She agreed to become Crofton's mistress for a week in exchange for the return of some artifacts, one of which she is certain contains the hidden treasure. When St. Raven insists on helping her to retrieve the jewels, she is relieved to accept his assistance, especially when he tells her that she and Crofton would not have been alone, because Crofton is holding an orgy at the Manor. Together, they decide to attend the orgy and look for the jewels.

Thus begins the adventures of Tris and Cressida, because of course the jewels are not so easily found. Tris will not abandon this new friend to her fate, and with the help of his friend Cary and even some assistance from the real Le Corbeau they continue their dangerous quest for the elusive treasure. Tris and Cressida's respect and admiration for each other soon evolve into love, but they know that they will have to part ways when the adventure is over because after all, he is a Duke and a notorious Rake, and she is merely a nabob's daughter.

Author Jo Beverley inspires confidence in her readers that within the pages of her novels lies exciting adventure, pleasing humor and above all, soul stirring love. ST. RAVEN is a wonderful example of Ms. Beverley's outstanding work and is entertaining from first page to last. I thoroughly enjoyed accompanying them in their adventures at the orgy. St. Raven is an appealing hero who posseses a sense of mischief and adventure not found in your ordinary Regency Duke. Cressida is an intelligent, brave heroine who is just perfect for Tris. I relished the pairing of this smart couple who worked together to solve a difficult problem, and were not afraid of the risks to body and heart along the way. A must read for all regency aficionados!

Reviewed by Janice Bennett
Posted January 26, 2003

Summary

Nothing could be worse than the day Cressida's father recklessly gambled away the family estate to a vile rake called Lord Crofton. Until Lord Crofton came to her with an utterly scandalous, entirely wicked proposal...

One kiss was all Tristan asked for. Not an uncommon request from a highwayman, but still, this woman, this Cressida, had the nerve to refuse the Duke of St. Raven. In fact, she seemed not frightened, but furious, yet there was something about her that told him she wanted much more than a kiss...