The Road to Ruin

Stuart (She’s the One) launches her Daughters of Disgrace Regency series with a swashbuckling tale of pirates, scandal, and kidnapping. When Daniella Germaine’s father, a notorious pirate, kicks her off of his ship, the Aurora, she resorts to outrageous behavior to recapture his attention and get herself re-instated in his crew. Her plan is to auction off her virginity, sparing herself from any real danger by planting her brother’s friend Pendleton in the crowd to pretend to purchase it. But then James Trelissick, the Marquess of Lasterton, outbids him. James believes Daniella’s father captured his mother and sister when they were at sea and hopes to use Daniella as a bargaining chip to ensure their safety, but he is unprepared for her beauty, intelligence, and stubborn independence. They travel to Scotland to find Daniella’s father, but the journey is fraught with danger as they are set upon by highwaymen and pirates. James is a flawed but believable hero whose change of heart as he learns to value Daniella’s rebellious spirit is gratifying to witness, while Daniella’s recklessness belies her endearing vulnerability. Stuart’s series is off to a promising start. (Aug.)