A Most Devilish Rogue

Starred review from July 8, 2013
Macnamara’s follow-up to A Most Scandalous Proposal proves that reformed rogues make the best husbands. In Regency-era London, George Upperton has just discovered that his mistress is pregnant with his child. Without the financial means to comply with her outrageous demands, George decides to avoid the situation and attend a house party with his mother in Kent. There he makes the acquaintance of Miss Isabelle Mears after rescuing her young son, Jack, from the clutches of the sea. George admires Isabelle’s pluck and fortitude as a woman of noble birth who was cast out by her family when she became pregnant with Jack out of wedlock. He’s reluctant to pursue her, as he can’t marry her and doesn’t want to compromise her, but when Jack goes missing, George offers Isabelle unstinting support as she stoically swallows her pride and begs help from the manor house. As they search for Jack, Isabelle’s beauty and resilience shine, and she proves to George that he is a much better man than he believes. This touchingly romantic and effortlessly plotted historical is a gem to be savored.

September 15, 2013
George, a wounded rogue, rescues the son of Isabelle, a ruined gentlewoman, from drowning and then must rescue him again from abductors. As the two work together to find her son, their lives and emotions become entwined. George Upperton's life is a mess. He's gambled away a fortune; he can't escape a family determined to get him settled; and he's taken up with a mistress whom he doesn't like, who has extravagant tastes and is, apparently, pregnant. Escaping a house party for some fresh air and a seaside stroll, George witnesses a young boy get swept into the water and rushes in to save him. Rather than gratitude, his mother expresses cold disdain and rushes away with her child. But the two cross paths again when Isabelle's son disappears. Seeking clues and comparing notes on possible suspects, George and Isabelle work to find Jack and bring him home, at the same time finding they share some surprising and disturbing connections, not to mention a blazing attraction. Passion flares and secrets are shared, but George and Isabelle can't overcome their own fears and insecurities to admit their deepening feelings. In her second historical romance, Macnamara uses smooth writing to create well-rendered characters and a complex storyline. However, some plot elements are a little too contrived to seem realistic, and Isabelle is hard to warm up to, so the reader might be unconvinced by George's quick romantic feelings for her. Still, the sensuality is high, and the plot holds together. An imperfect yet satisfying romance.

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