Another Review at MyShelf.Com

In Pursuit Of A Scandalous Lady

by Gayle Callen

     

When an oversized painting of a beautiful nude woman appears in his gentlemen’s club, Julian Delane, Earl of Parkhurst, becomes intrigued by the model (rumored to be a local society miss) and by the only thing she is wearing—a valuable necklace that was stolen from his family many years ago. When three young women sneak into the club trying to steal the painting, Julian believes that one of them must be the model. He and his two gentlemen friends make a wager regarding each young woman.

Using his highly reliable instincts, Julian selects Rebecca Leland as the most likely model. He pursues her over the next week, asking her questions and undressing her with his eyes to determine if she posed for the painting, but more importantly, to learn where she got the necklace. When Rebecca becomes the target of a criminal gang also after the necklace, she and Julian begin a wild adventure traveling through the English countryside, changing their identities in each town. The more he gets to know Rebecca, the more Julian is determined not to let her (or the necklace) come to harm.

As in her charming 2008 historical romance, Never Dare A Duke (also reviewed on Myshelf.com), Gayle Callen again delivers a delightful story in which two likeable characters get thrown together in compromising situations. Their light banter and growing sexual tension keep the story fresh, although some of the major plot points could be stronger (especially the beginning wager and the ending solution to the mystery of the stolen necklace).

Although friends, relatives, and villains enter and exit as the story dictates, Julian and Rebecca will keep readers enthralled with their revelations about the past, individual personality quirks, and growing passion for each other. In Pursuit Of A Scandalous Lady zips along at an enjoyable pace, and the excitingly scandalous cross-country adventure—which comprises the majority of the book—is the reason why romance readers buy these books in the first place.

The Book

Avon Books / HarperCollins Publishers
April 27, 2010
Mass Market Paperback
978-0-06-178341-8
Romance - Historical (England, 1846)
More at Amazon.com
Excerpt
NOTE: Violence, Sexuality

The Reviewer

Leslie Halpern
Reviewed 2010
NOTE: Reviewer Leslie Halpern is the author of Reel Romance: The Lovers' Guide to the 100 Best Date Movies, Dreams on Film, A Writer's Guide to Fearless Interviews, and the co-author of Connections: A Collection of Poems. Coming Soon: Passionate About Their Work: Celebrities, Artists, and Experts Discuss Creativity.
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