Jeanne Westin Lady Anne’s Most Dangerous Man

Lady Anne's Most Dangerous Man

Jeanne Westin

Signet, Jan 2006, $6.99, 352 pp.

ISBN: 0451217365

In the modern year 1665 virtue is not rewarded at least in the court of King Charles II. Lady Anne Gascoigne knowing she must do something to keep the stalking regal from taking her virginity, turns to the strongest of her suitors Edward Carter, the Earl of Waverby as she assumes once he deflowers her on their wedding night, she will be safe from royal assault. However, Anne is mortified to learn that her fianc bartered her virginity with Charles II in consideration of future favors.

With the help of her father, Anne flees the castle. Her dad also arranges for the illegitimate nobleman, the notorious highwayman, Gentleman John Gilbert, to keep his beloved daughter safe until he can arrange a new betrothal. John accepts the mission because he owes a debt of honor or this unrecognized son of a duke would have been hung. However, to his chagrin John desires the beautiful and feisty Anne who returns his need, making him wonder how honorable he truly is when all he wants is to bed his ward.

Mindful of Fielding's Tom Jones, LADY ANNE'S MOST DANGEROUS MAN is an amusing rollicking seventeenth romp that uses historical tidbits to paint a depraved court as a background to the romantic adventures of John and Anne. The lead pairing is superb as his brain says honor but his other head says are you nuts (no pun intended) with her sweet seduction encouraging him. As the outlaw and the lady fall in love with the regal retinue looking for her, fans will wonder will they or will they not take her off the virgin commodity exchange.

Harriet Klausner