The Devilish Montague

May 23, 2011
Intriguing protagonists, quirky secondary characters, and a surprising plot make for an endearing sequel to Rice's 2010 Regency The Wicked Wyckerly, even if the romance never rises above lukewarm. Reckless Blake Montague enters a marriage of convenience with Jocelyn Carrington, hoping to use her funds to buy a military commission so he can solve the French military codes with which he has become obsessed. Jocelyn sees an opportunity to regain her family home, which her older brother lost to the Montagues in a game of chance. Though Jocelyn and Blake find each other attractive, the sex is never more than an extra convenience of marriage, but their wacky familiesâJocelyn's socially awkward younger brother and genealogy-obsessed mother; Blake's mother, who is sure the silver streak in his hair means he's about to die; and some clever, foul-mouthed parrotsâmake the novel fun and worthwhile.

Starred review from June 1, 2011
Jocelyn Byrd-Carrington is an intelligent, independent woman. Her parents are deceased, and her inheritance is large enough for her to live in comfort. Unfortunately, because she's unwed, society objects to her living without a husband. Her evil half-brother, who has guardianship of her fragile youngest brother, has threatened to hurt him unless she hands over most of the inheritance. Like it or not, she needs a manfast. Blake Montague is a true patriot. Still recovering from an injury, all he wants is to get back in the service. But as a baron's youngest son, he doesn't have the money for another military commission. He needs to marry a woman with moneyfast. So two strong-minded persons reluctantly agree to a marriage of convenience, and the fun begins. Humor, danger, suspense, and the theft of a foul-mouthed parrot are only a few of the elements sure to keep readers riveted. Like The Wicked Wyckerly (2010), the first Rebellious Sons romance, The Devilish Montague is a sumptuous Regency delight.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2011, American Library Association.)