"Fun historical tale"

Late at night, renowned rake Bentley Rutledge runs into Frederica d'Avillez in the hallway while everyone else sleeps. Freddy is upset because the man she thought would marry her, Johnny Ellows is betrothed to someone else because his family believes she is not good enough for them. Bursting into tears, Bentley provides comfort, but soon Freddy kisses him. Already dreaming of Freddy, Bentley finds himself a willing partner to her seduction though he tries to put a halt to their activities. That night, knowing he deflowered a virgin, a stunned Bentley leaves for his home to regroup and to prepare himself to marry Freddy.

However, neither Freddy nor her family comes after him. Soon, Bentley hears that she is to marry someone else. He attends a ball hosted by her family and confronts Freddy. Later he realizes she is pregnant with his child. He demands they marry, but Freddy insists she will not. Forced to marry, they both realize that their attraction is love, but will either willingly admit that their marriage is the best thing that has happened to either of them.

Though somewhat by the standard fans of Regency romances will relish THE DEVIL YOU KNOW due to the delightful cast especially the lead couple. Bentley is an interesting protagonist raised as a hedonistic rake by his decadent father in a case where nurturing overcomes naturing unto he admits he loves Freddy. The heroine is a charmer not afraid to admit that she is more at fault than her beloved for the seduction that "ruins" both of them. Together they provide the audience with a fun historical tale.

Harriet Klausner

Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted March 25, 2003