"Amusing, entertaining Regency romance."

Lady Isabel Weymouth arrives in London with the goal of snaring a rich husband as fast as possible. Until her husband died, Isabel had no inkling of the cost of their high living. She realizes when society learns of her debts; her worth on the marriage mart will suffer dramatically. With tactics worthy of a general, Isabel enters the social season prepared to trap a rich man. Giving in to sentiment, she wears her grandmother's ruby broach to ensure good luck.

Richard, the Earl of Dunstable, returns from war and takes over the estate management from his ill grandfather. His affable grandfather had squandered their fortune through risky business practices and left the estate teetering on ruin. Richard's grandmother believes their fortune will change if Richard can recover the Mallory Heart. The Mallory Heart, steeped in tradition, is a ruby broach given to the Dunstable family by Queen Elizabeth and stolen 50 years ago.

Richard's quest leads him to the beautiful Isabel, who rejects his offer to buy the ruby, as it is her family heirloom. The adventure begins when Richard steals the jewel, only to have the clever and resourceful Isabel steal it back. Pride demands Richard snatch it again. Richard and Isabel match wits and thievery skills. Isabel almost forgets her husband hunt. If only Richard had money and Isabel was not a thief.

This book provides readers a delightful escape, with appealing characters that are guaranteed to charm readers. Ms. Hern continues to pen amusing and entertaining Regency romances.

Reviewed by Suan Wilson
Posted November 17, 2004

Summary

"And so you must find the Mallory Heart and bring it home at once. No matter what it takes." After this decree from his grandmother,Richard, Viscount Mallory, goes in search of the long-lost family heirloom. Imagine his surprise when he spots the exquisite heart- shaped ruby brooch on the bosom of the equally exquisite Lady Isabel Weymouth! Could this popular young socialite actually be a jewel thief? Richard is determined that the brooch be returned to his family. So when an opportunity presents itself, he pilfers the jewel from the lady's bedroom, but is stunned when she steals it back the very next day! Clearly the enchanting Isabel is a more formidable opponent than he imagined, and the former soldier finds himself battling wits and wills with the captivating temptress. Passion ignites between them as the competition heats up, and suddenly there is more than a ruby brooch at stake in this game of hearts.