LADY ANNE'S DANGEROUS MAN

Author: Jeane Westin ISBN: 0451217365 1/2006 HISTORICAL Publisher: NAL/Signet Eclipse
Time Period: Restoration Period, 1665 (?)

Lady Anne Gascoigne is eager to take her wedding vows—until she discovers her devious fiance has conspired to let King Charles II steal her virtue. To save her honor and her life, she must flee under the protection of a notorious but charming rake who has just escaped hanging—only to be captured by Anne's heart.... The illegitimate son of a powerful man, John Gilbert lives by his wits and his sword, leading a merry band of men who rob the rich and corrupt, then escape to a forest hideaway As proper Lady Anne blossoms under John's command, opening up to the freedom and sensuality he offers, she poses a new set of challenges for him—to stay alive long enough to ensure her protection, earn an equal place by her side, and convince her of his undying love....

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

Featuring a unique time period and a finely detailed historical setting, LADY ANNE'S DANGEROUS MAN is filled with the daring do's of a dashing, Robin Hood-like highwayman and a heroine who seems to find herself in more perils than Pauline.

Jeane Westin has done a fine job with all aspects of her frolicking and sometimes bawdy debut book. Her leading lady, Lady Anne, evolves from a haughty aristocrat into a self-determined, courageous young woman who oftentimes—and against her protector's better judgment—leads them into one unexpected caper after another.

Johnny, the outlawed outcast who's been hired by her father to protect her, is about as sexy a man of all talents as any woman could ever wish for. The gripping sexual tension that envelopes these two, more than attests to that fact. It seems there's just nothing this man can't master or outsmart... well, except for one thing, and that's one beautiful and determined female who is intent on protecting her virginity. I tell you, sometimes a near-hanged man just can't seem to win.

Drenched in the period time and lusty atmosphere of King Charles II, and featuring a multitude of well defined characters steeped in court intrigue and suspense, LADY ANNE'S DANGEROUS MAN is a non-stop, action-filled Restoration era romance that will entice you right in. My advice? Just sit back with your cockerspaniels on your lap and enjoy this delightful ride.

Nancy Davis