The Charmer

Starred review from November 10, 2003
Although most early 19th-century romances have a narrow scope, the subgenre continues to draw readers thanks to the ingenuity of writers like Hunter (The Seducer
, etc.), whose newest offering is based on a seldom-visited chapter of English history. As rioting spreads throughout Britain in 1831, rising political figure Adrian Burchard, the illegitimate son of a nobleman, is charged with bringing a young duchess back from Paris because the votes she controls in Parliament are urgently needed to defeat a voting reform bill. Sophia Raughley, who has painful reasons of her own for objecting a return to England, soon finds that even her strong will is no match for Adrian's. Resentful at being used and manipulated by others, Sophia battles his attempts to control her even as the sexual and emotional attraction between them intensifies. Society throws up obstacles, however: for one, Sophia's elevated title places her out of Adrian's reach. A violent plot to marry her off to a man chosen by her late, rigid father adds believable complications and will have readers holding their breath, hoping for a happy ending. With its rich historical texture, steamy love scenes and indelible protagonists, this book embodies the best of the genre.

November 15, 2003
Sent by the king to bring Sophia Raughley, Duchess of Everdon, from Paris to England to assume her political responsibilities after the death of her father, Adrian Burchard skillfully handles not only a recalcitrant duchess and her resident "artists" but her exotic menagerie as well. But when she learns that her "responsibilities" include marrying a cousin she dislikes, Sophia balks, claiming to be already wed-and Adrian finds himself responsible for Sophia once again, only this time his charge includes seduction. Rife with danger, politics, and sensuality, this fast-paced story continues Hunter's "Seducers" series (The Seducer; The Saint) in fine style. The Sinner, to be released in January 2004, will conclude the series. Hunter is a popular, RITA Award-winning writer.

Copyright 2003 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

November 15, 2003
Adrian Burchard has come to Paris on a mission for the King of England. His country is in a state of unrest, and the Tories need all the votes they can get to overturn a reform bill. The Duke of Everdon has died, and it is left to his daughter, Sophia, now the Duchess of Everdon, to inform his people how to cast their ballots. Adrian finds Sophia nearly insensible in the arms of one of the many men at her bacchanalian party, which is verging on an orgy. Adrian takes charge of the situation, forcing Sophia to leave with him. Sophia continually tests Adrian's patience as he tries to perform his duty and she tries to go back to Paris, fed up with England, Everdon, and the men who need her to do their bidding. Eventually Adrian becomes the only man she trusts, and Sophia becomes someone Adrian needs in a way he's never needed anyone before. In yet another excellent offering from Hunter, her intriguing characters elicit both fascination and sympathy.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2003, American Library Association.)