Dangerous to Love

May 30, 1994
When London aristocrat Serena Ward disguises herself as an actress for the Jacobite cause, she does not count on attracting the amorous attention of Julian Raynor, owner of a popular gaming club--and die-hard anti-Jacobite. Their first encounter is a study in mistaken identity and sensuality that results in Serena's downfall. Julian, who blames Serena's father for his family's misfortunes, plans to exact revenge by marrying Serena. Tricked into marriage, Serena finds it difficult to maintain her icy reserve toward Julian, and the attraction she feels for him soon turns to love. In the age-old tradition of love never running smoothly, behind the scenes machinations and treachery ensure that the lovers have much to conquer before they can attain happiness. Thornton, author of six previous historicals, delivers unique plot twists and sharply drawn characters. She uses enforced separation, a genre taboo, to her advantage as she develops conflict. Her knowledge of the Georgian era is evident and lends period flavor to this satisfying read.

May 15, 1994
When Jacobite sympathizer Serena Ward is mistaken for a common prostitute by the notorious rake Julian Raynor, a surprise raid of the Thatched Tavern by the militia sends her straight to his bed-and into his life. Thornton's (Velvet Is the Night, Windsor, 1992) novel of deception, intrigue, and revenge, set during the turbulent period following the Battle of Culloden, is historically interesting and technically well written, but the characters lack motivation and the pacing lags.