To Desire a Devil

Starred review from October 15, 2009
Because everyone in London believes Reynaud St. Aubyn, Viscount Hope, was murdered by savages seven years ago, it is quite a surprise when he stumbles into the Earl of Blanchards political tea. Of course, some doubt that the feverish madman who collapses on the floor of Blanchards townhouse is really St. Aubyn, but Beatrice Corning isnt one of them. Not only does Beatrice immediately recognize the man from the portrait that hangs in her Uncle Reginalds home; she correctly forecasts that there is going to be trouble. As Reynaud and Reginald battle for control of the title of Earl of Blanchard, Beatrice finds herself caught in the impossible position of having to choose between loyalty and love. Hoyt brings her Georgian-set The Legend of the Four Soldiers series to a riveting conclusion as dark, tortured Reynaud finds romantic redemption with the quietly resourceful Beatrice. Rich with dangerous intrigue, suffused with desire, and spiked with wit, To Desire a Devil is nothing less than brilliant.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2009, American Library Association.)