Lord of Fire

December 10, 2001
A sequence of improbable events propel a virtuous, 21-year-old spinster and a moody rogue to meet and fall in love in the second installment in Foley's Regency-era Knight series (after The Duke). The story opens with a dramatic flourish when Alice Montague stumbles upon an orgy organized by the mysterious Lord Lucien Knight. Alice has come to "rescue" her sister-in-law, Caro—a one-dimensional character who spends the entire book flitting in and out of men's beds and making mischief—but she soon finds that she needs rescuing herself. Lucien, who is really one of England's premiere spies, has refused to let her leave his side for at least a week, but she fears that it will take less time than that to fall in love with the devilish rake. The story is at its best when Lucien and Alice are alone together, sharing their dreams and insecurities and developing a genuine relationship. Unfortunately, these intimate moments are all too rare. Midway through the novel, their romance gives way to a far-fetched subplot involving the capture of a French spy who plans to kill Lucien and terrorize England. Though they occasionally devolve into stereotypes, Foley's protagonists are captivating, but her hackneyed plot doesn't do them justice.

January 1, 2002
Lord Lucien Knight is known throughout the town for the wild bacchanals that take place at his country estate, Revell Court; but Lucien, a spy for the British government, actually uses these notorious parties as a means of gathering intelligence. Used to consorting with all kinds of jaded, depraved individuals, he isn't sure how to handle an innocent like Alice Montague, who shows up at Revell Court looking for her sister-in-law, Caroline Glenwood. Bewitched by her refreshing naivete, Lucien offers Alice a deal: he will allow Caroline to leave only if Alice remains with him for one week. As Lucien begins a campaign of seduction, Alice searches for some way to redeem the soul of this wicked rake. Foley's latest historical, the second in her series featuring the Knight Miscellany, is an addictive combination of complex, subtly shaded characters; richly sensual love scenes; elegantly fluid prose; and a plot laced with danger and intrigue. Lucien is a truly memorable "tortured" hero, and readers will be captivated by his redemption through Alice's love. Foley's wonderful romance will appeal to Amanda Quick and Stephanie Laurens fans.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2002, American Library Association.)