"excellent Regency romantic suspense"

In 1817 the "Vile" Viscount Horatio Cave knows his family consists of reprobates and rogues, who have made scandal and violence part of their legacy. The Napoleonic war hero plans to behave in such a manner that every member of the Ton will welcome them into their homes.

Lady Thea "The Great Untouchable" Debenham will do anything to clear the name of her brother, Dare (of the Company of Rogues), but has no avenue to overturn the claim that he was a coward at Waterloo; her sibling will not fight back the assertion as he came back a crippled addict. Her only hope to repute what she believes is a falsehood is Horatio, but she as a nobody with nary a connection has close to zero chances of meeting the adored viscount. However, she does manage to meet him, but she is shocked how attracted she is to this gentle man. As they fall in love, Horatio realizes someone threatens his beloved to get at him. This threat releases the violent side of his persona that kept him alive during combat, but this time he needs to keep his Thea safe from an unknown adversary although he fears her reaction to his fierce nature.

This is a terrific direct follow-up to Dare's tale (see To Rescue a Rogue) as his sister would do anything for her brother and his new wife. Horatio is actually the more fascinating character as his feral side surfaces when his beloved is in danger; the same reaction he had when he was at the battlefield. However, not understanding what love is all about, he fears saving her life will cost him emotionally as she would never love a berserker. Readers will appreciate this Rogue extension tale that showcases Jo Beverly at her Regency romantic suspense best.

Harriet Klausner

Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted May 29, 2007

Summary

For generations, the Cave family has been marked by scandal, madness, and violence. But after earning a reputation for bravery in the army, Horatio Cave, the new Viscount Darien, has come home to charm London society and restore the family name. He means to start with the lovely Lady Thea Debenham.

The magnetism between them is immediate, but can Thea trust the dark, sexy "Vile Viscount"? And will Thea's brother Dare—the most dashing member of the Company of Rogues—believe that Horatio does not deserve the cursed Cave reputation?