A Most Devilish Rogue

Macnamara’s follow-up to A Most Scandalous Proposal proves that reformed rogues make the best husbands. In Regency-era London, George Upperton has just discovered that his mistress is pregnant with his child. Without the financial means to comply with her outrageous demands, George decides to avoid the situation and attend a house party with his mother in Kent. There he makes the acquaintance of Miss Isabelle Mears after rescuing her young son, Jack, from the clutches of the sea. George admires Isabelle’s pluck and fortitude as a woman of noble birth who was cast out by her family when she became pregnant with Jack out of wedlock. He’s reluctant to pursue her, as he can’t marry her and doesn’t want to compromise her, but when Jack goes missing, George offers Isabelle unstinting support as she stoically swallows her pride and begs help from the manor house. As they search for Jack, Isabelle’s beauty and resilience shine, and she proves to George that he is a much better man than he believes. This touchingly romantic and effortlessly plotted historical is a gem to be savored. (Sept.)