THE ROGUE'S RETURN

Author: Jo Beverley ISBN: 0451217888 3/2006 HISTORICAL Publisher: NAL/SIGNET
Time Period: September 1816, Canada and England

After years of living in the New World of Canada, Simon St. Bride is ready to return to aristocratic life in England. But his plans are delayed by a duel and a young woman he feels honor bound to marry, even though his family is unlikely to welcome her. For despite her beauty and seeming innocence, Jane Otterburn is hesitant to speak of her enigmatic past.... Then treachery strikes their world. And, as Simon and Jane fight side by side against enemies and fate—on land and at sea—he discovers a wife beyond price and a passion beyond measure. But will the truth about Jane tear their love asunder?

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

With a novel full of high adventure, Jo Beverley cannot fail to impress with her latest Company of Rogues novel.

The Rogue concerning us this time is Simon St. Bride, the son of a fairly reserved family who, every so often, has a member born with the hair of ancestor Ademar de Braque. These black and red-haired St. Brides have the wild streak so evident in Simon's character.

The book begins with Simon making trouble for himself in Canada. After being indirectly responsibly for the death of her uncle, Simon is compelled to marry the quiet and mysterious Jane Otterburn. He soon discovers Jane is full of fire.and knowledge she never could have acquired as a schoolmaster's orphan.

Who is she really? Jane fights to hide her secrets from the world. She and Simon fall ever more desperately in love on the high seas, while they flee back to England from the problems Simon has created. How can an illegitimate daughter of a little better than a tramp pull off a masquerade as a respectable orphan, much less manage to fit into the heights of English society as wife of a future Earl?

Simon and Jane share a true affection, and you never believe they will really be torn apart. Jo Beverley weaves a wonderful love story, with some interesting historical and medical details mixed in. Every time I pick up a Beverley novel, I wonder why I can't find the time to read more of them!

Heather Hiestand