Anne Mallory, The Viscount’s Wicked Ways

The Viscount's Wicked Ways

Anne Mallory

Avon, Apr 2006, $5.99, 384 pp.

ISBN: 0060872926

Patience Harrington has never been able to behave to the standard of the Ton. So when she fumbles her Season, Patience is left with one option offered by her father. She is to visit ominous Blackfield Castle to appraise and catalogue the antiques.

Viscount Blackfield, Thomas Ashe, does not want any visitors, especially one as distracting as the lovely Patience, even for a few nights. He wants her to leave, but she refuses, insisting she will first finish her task of assessing the antiques he inherited, even though he does not seem to care about anything except brooding and glaring at her. In reality, Thomas struggles to stay focused on uncovering who endangers so many lives. Still for the first time since he became a spy, Thomas is unable to keep alert and concentrate on his inquiries as he desires Patience, who he believes has been sent by his enemy to spy on him. Perhaps he can kiss the truth out of her lips.

This is a fun Gothic historical romance that uses amusing scenarios to refresh and lighten the usual serious tone of the sub-genre. Thomas is out of patience with his desire that he fears hides his unwanted guest's nefarious activities, while Patience ponders whether her host is the Frankenstein monster. Fans will enjoy this gender war starring two terrific combatants who misconceive everything about the other except love.