The Rogues Bride
Leslie LaFoy
St. Martin's, November 2006, $6.99
ISBN: 0312347715

He never expected to become the Duke of Steadman, but with the sudden deaths of his father and his brother the heir, in 1886 the spare Tristen Townsend inherits the title. The shipping magnate heads to England from his American base of operations as soon as he can, stunned by the news. He quickly hears rumors that both deaths are suspicious, so he decides to learn whether his relatives were murdered, and if yes, why.

Former street urchin Lady Simone Turnbridge is unable to follow the correct behavior expected by the Ton, and more importantly, she could not lessen what others say. However, she feels for her reticent friend Emmaline Townsend, and she agrees to help her with high society, especially the girl's martinet mother. Already attracted to Simone, Tristen admires her courage as she bravely helps with a rescue during a fire. As they fall in love, his need to uncover the truth about his late relatives' deaths lead both Simone and Tristen into danger.

The unparalleled Simone makes this late Victorian romance a terrific refreshing tale (just watch out for that's second hand smoke). Tristen recognizes how delightfully brave and unique Simone is, while she finds the American shipping magnate fascinating, to the point of re-looking her declaration to never marry. The suspense comes late, but no one will care, as this couple enchantingly carries this superb historical with their love for one another.