The Dangerous Debutante

March 13, 2006
Unlike many of the RITA-winning author's nearly 90 romance novels, this winning Regency tale (second in a series) is no cheerful high society romp awash in amoral comedic characters. While the tone's definitely not dark, the mood is more mysterious in this story, which centers on the magnetic attraction between dashing and disreputable Ethan Tanner, earl of Aylesford, and wild would-be debutante Morgan Becket, whose unconventional family is unconnected by blood but united by terrible (sometimes criminal) secrets. Readers who enjoy Michaels's festive knack for exposing the foolishness and foibles of early 19th-century London's high society may be disappointed at the short shrift given the ton, as Morgan's debut season is cut short after a single delightfully scandalous ball. Substituting for the social intrigue—Michaels's forte—is international political intrigue, including battles on the high seas that are, unfortunately, reported second-hand and lacking in immediacy and color. The shooting-star sparks between the two protagonists, however, make up in power what the action sequences lack, and Michaels's enticing hints about the unrevealed origins of the Beckets of Romney Marsh should more than suffice to keep readers tantalized through this book and into the next.

April 15, 2006
As Michaels continues her spellbinding series about the seven Becket orphans, Morgan Becket is on her way to her brother Chance's house to enjoy a London season. Chance and his wife know that her beauty will stand out; however, they worry about her wild and thoughtless ways. During the journey, Morgan meets her match when she encounters Ethan Tanner, Earl of Aylesford. He mistakes her for a kept woman; then, when he realizes that she is a respectable young lady, he decides that his bachelor days are over, if only he can convince the headstrong Morgan. Morgan definitely wants Ethan but needs to figure out if she feels love or merely lust. Chance's initial disapproval evaporates when he learns that Ethan works for the war office, but the war against Napoleon seems tame compared to the effort needed to win over Morgan's family. The second book in Michaels' Romney Marsh series, following" A Gentleman by Any Other Name" (2006), is a must-read for fans of historical romance and all who appreciate Michaels' witty and sensuous style. (Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2006, American Library Association.)