"A Wonderfully Romantic Regency"

Lady Jacinda Knight has five older, over-protective brothers who have arranged her marriage to an older, staid friend -- the marquess of Griffith, Jacinda knows they only want what is best for her, and part of this is to curb her youthful impetuousness. She has contrived a plan to escape to Paris. But before she can leave London she is robbed by a pick-pocket, gives chase and ends up lost in a seedy alley with no protection. From a hiding place in a garbage pile she witnesses a gang street fight. The leader of the winning gang, the Fire Hawks, is Billy Blade. Jacinda tries to remain out of sight in her makeshift hiding place, but she is discovered by Billy, who takes her to his headquarters to keep her safe. After stealing some kisses he returns her to her family, but she leaves a diamond necklace behind as a gift. Billy's advice to stand up for herself against her brothers results in a termination of the dreaded marriage to the marquess of Griffith. But Jacinda can't get Billy Blade out of her thoughts or her dreams even though she knows she'll never see him again.

Billy is every bit as affected by Jacinda. His low, criminal lifestyle actually covers an aristocratic birth-right. His extremely abusive father drove him to run away to the streets of London at age thirteen. He has risen to the top of the underworld with his intelligence and bravery. But he has a good nature and a noble heart, and protects the people, especially the children, in his territory. However, he can't get the beautiful Lady Jacinda out of his heart, her expensive gift touches him with the affection no one else has ever given him. Now a strange twist will force Billy to return to his aristocratic family and assume the role of heir. He agrees, knowing he can move into Jacinda's world and try to win her heart.

LADY OF DESIRE is an extraordinary book. There is much depth to the two main characters, and they both grow significantly through the story. Jacinda matures from an impulsive, spoiled girl to a kind-hearted, supportive woman who uses her bravery and impetuousness for good. Billy is a to-die-for hero. He is handsome, strong, brave, and noble. The suffering and abuse of his childhood leave him believing no one can love him, but inspire him to protect the vulnerable. He has deep love and respect for Jacinda. Along with these wonderful characters, Ms. Foley's vivid portrayal of life in Regency England is remarkable. Her depiction of Billy's world would make Charles Dickens proud. LADY OF DESIRE is a wonderful, compelling story. This one goes onto my top ten list instantly! Brava!

Reviewed by Cynthia Meidinger
Posted January 10, 2003

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Summary

Impetuous Lady Jacinda Knight is the daughter of a scandalous woman—and Society predicts she'll follow in her mother's footsteps. Then one night, in flight from an arranged and loveless marriage, Jacinda finds herself alone on a dangerous street face-to-face with Billy Blade, the notorious leader of a band of thieves. His stolen kisses awaken in her a longing for a man she can never possess.

A handsome outlaw running from a secret past, Billy Blade has never met a woman like Jacinda—her fiery innocence and blossoming sensuality set his rebel's heart ablaze. Having turned his back on the privilege and power of his tyrannical father's house years before, he vows to return to reclaim his title, Earl of Rackford—to win the love of the ravishing beauty who has stolen his heart.