Kasey Michaels, Beware of Virtuous Women

Beware of Virtuous Women

Kasey Michaels

HQN, May 2006, $6.99

ISBN 037377107X

In 1813 the infamous dangerous Red Men Gang viciously compete with the Beckett lead family who are smuggling near Romney Marsh because it helps bring food to the nearby villagers. Something must be done, as the Red Men Gang is turning ugly in their pursuit of a monopoly. Family patriarch Captain Ainsley Beckett accepts friend Jack Eastwood's plan that the latter go undercover to learn who in London society leads the violent gang.

Ainsley's adopted daughter Eleanor offers to pretend to be Jack's wife while in London, shocking her family as she is so reserved and seemingly fragile. Jack agrees that having a spouse will enhance his cover, but wonders if Eleanor has the steel to do the job. In London he quickly learns that his "spouse" is intelligent, efficient and courageous, but that she hides secrets from him. These secrets could place them in danger because the prime suspect of the Red Men Gang, leader Earl Rowley Maddox knows the truth about Eleanor. Jack realizes with every risk he takes how much he loves the enigmatic Eleanor.

The third Romney Marsh regency tale (see THE DANGEROUS DEBUTANTE and A GENTLEMAN BY ANY OTHER NAME) is a terrific romantic suspense that grips the audience from the moment Eleanor volunteers. Less humorous than the previous two triumphant tales, readers will enjoy the amateur sleuthing of the lead couple as much as their falling in love. Perhaps the only negative to this great historical and series is that book four is not released until next year.