"Sensational!"
Sussex, England 1812 Viscount Montrose, Anthony Grenville carries scars from the
Peninsular War where he was wounded. He returns to England
to heal. With the death of his uncle, Anthony suddenly
becomes extremely wealthy and indulges in every sinful
escapade possible, trying to escape the nightmares that
haunt him continuously. However, after a long string of
hedonistic indulgences, Anthony finally realizes the need
to produce an heir and pragmatically decides to become
engaged to and marry Lady Phoebe Tremont. Little does he
realize at the time that he would regret his strategy!
Nerves stretched taut by the incessant buzzing chatter of
his fiancÈe and her mother, poor Anthony has no hope of
escape while cooped up in a coach travelling through the
countryside one evening until suddenly he finds himself
being robbed. By whom, you ask? Why, by One-Eyed Jack and
a slight chit of a girl! If that isn't intriguing and
embarrassing enough on it's own, he's being robbed in front
of his fiancÈe and her mother! Well, the little chit
escapes but leaves Anthony hoping he'll run into her again
soon one day. Sure enough, he does. Of all places, in his
very own townhouse a few days later when he catches her
stealing his silver. Forcing her to confess, he learns her
reasons for resorting to robbery and becomes determined to
help her with her dilemma. After all, it will ensure he
can keep her by his side longer, won't it? Shortly after being orphaned by the death of their parents,
Chelsea Bellamy and her brother Robert have a wretched row
when he uses the last of their money to purchase a
commission in an army regiment bound for Portugal.
Quarrelling bitterly, Chelsea refuses to attend his
farewell assembly and guilt racks her soul. For not long
after his departure, she receives a ransom note, suggesting
she come up with five hundred pounds or else never see her
brother again. Turning to her lecherous neighbor, Squire
Dumfreys, she hopes to borrow the money to gain her
brother's release. Unfortunately, Squire Dumfreys has
other ideas of how that loan should be paid off. Finally
realizing she has no choice but to resurrect the legend of
One-Eyed Jack, the once notorious highwayman -- who also
just happens to be her aging butler -- Chelsea comes up with
a plan. Only, she didn't plan on being caught by a
handsome rake who makes her blood pound and her senses swim! Hope Tarr's new release, A ROGUE'S PLEASURE, is simply
sensational! It's the type of novel you want to re-read.
Not once, but over and over. Ms. Tarr is an absolutely
gifted writer who has penned a truly exceptional debut
novel. A ROGUE'S PLEASURE stirred my heart as easily as it
made me smile. A ROGUE'S PLEASURE is packed with endearing characters,
humor, wit and titillating dialogue. The plot is
delightful with enough intrigue and sexual tension to keep
the reader turning pages furiously. Ms. Tarr portrays
exceptional talent for blending historical detail with the
story and pulling the reader into the regency era with
finesse. Brimming with humor, loaded with sexual tension, plenty of
historical detail and a plot that totally captivates, A
ROGUE'S PLEASURE is one book all lovers of regency romance
must read. It's going on my keeper's shelf. If her debut
novel is any indication, Hope Tarr is destined to shine as
a prolific and very popular writer in the romance world.
Reviewed by Leena Hyat
Posted July 3, 2001
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