Virtuous Scoundrel: The Regency Romp Trilogy, Book 2
The second book of the aptly named Regency Romp Trilogy turns to Sebastian Sherbrook and Katherine, Marchioness Manwaring, his aunt by marriage. Sebastian and his uncle were bitter enemies, but since the events of The Duke’s Holiday, the latter has died and Sebastian has succeeded him as marquess. And despite their professed disapproval of each other, he and Katherine are actually desperately in love.
Eventually, they confess their true feelings along with details of their checkered past: his reputation as a dissolute rake is mainly posture; her previous marriage was not out of cynical social ambition, but forced upon her by her father after a youthful indiscretion; and underneath their aloof façade both are really nice people, albeit unexpectedly insecure. She helps establish a charity hospital for fallen women, and even likes unlovable animals! But can they marry?
This is another light-hearted romance, filled with characters exaggerated to the point of caricature and with implausible situations that can descend at times into farce. While not up to the standard of its brilliant predecessor, it is a witty and fast-paced comic delight (even the chapter headings). Definitely recommended.
