All the best ingredients for historical romance are here in Melody Thomas' last book in the Charmed and
Dangerous series: voluptuous women, passionate men, dashing highwaymen and behavior definitely unbecoming to the
ton. Winter Ashburn is trying to make ends meet any way she can, along with taking care of her brother to the best of
her ability. If that means attempted seduction followed by a successful theft of Rory Jameson's billfold, then so be
it! Moreover, he deserved it for thinking her a lady of loose morals.
Rory is not an inexperienced, callow youth. He had fought for his King, been taken on dangerous and secret
missions and battled on horseback side-by-side with his compatriots in the cavalry. Yet this scrap of a girl, with
her dark hair and exotic eyes, had him too bemused to take care while on horseback in unfamiliar territory. Attacked
by highwaymen, shot and left for dead, he must rely on the brave and sexy Winter Ashburn to bring him home safely,
and, hopefully, into her bed.
The love scenes are deliciously erotic, although certainly not for the shy or modest. Will Rory be able to win
the heart of this bold girl who steals from the rich and gives to the poor? On the other hand, will she bring him
more trouble and heartache than one man can handle? There is also the mystery of Winter's bizarre behavior and
unladylike "profession," as well as gangling, pirate-costume-clad sidekicks Perry and Robert.
Winter has much to worry her. The nightly wanderings in the cemetery by her demented and sorrowful mother,
recently widowed, are a constant source of concern. Then there was the evilly powerful Baron Richly, the husband of
her father's older sister, who had snatched her beloved Everleigh for himself, leaving the saddened family bereft of
their husband and father, and without two pence to rub together. Their only solace and support during these bitter
times was the estate's tenants and the villagers. Without them, she would be doomed to despair.
This romance is crafted by an expert, with an eye on historical accuracy, and a fast-paced story. Ms. Thomas,
who obviously takes pride in her work and in depicting her characters, has given the reader a rich and varied
story, lively, romantic, and at times touching and humorous. Unlike some fluff in the genre, the people are
believable and multi-faceted, at turns warm and icy, passionate and bitter, feisty and unassuming. Recommended for
those who want a quick, clever read, for it is well constructed, with delightful characterizations and plotting.
ENJOY!