Chasing a Rogue
In 1817, Harriet Nash is living a relatively independent life in London with her two aunts. One aunt is a cheerful, matchmaking widow; the other, an embittered, man-hating spinster desperately guarding Harriet from the inevitable heartbreak of an attachment to a rogue. Despite her aunt’s efforts, Harriet sets her cap for Steven Morris, Earl of Heath, a notable rogue. Steven has been impoverished by his mother’s spendthrift ways, and comes to London to marry a wealthy heiress. However, once he encounters Harriet none of the eligible heiresses interest him. As Steven tries to recoup his losses, it soon becomes clear that someone is plotting against him. Can he solve the mystery in time to save his estates so he can marry for love?
Victoria Malvey has created a Regency novel with an intelligent and daring heroine and a compassionate hero. For the most part it is an easy, fast, and interesting read. At times, however, the pace slows, and in the end the resolution of the mystery is plausible, but the villain’s motive is disappointingly weak.
