reviewed by
ANNA C. BOWLING
First off, I loved this book. I adore the Restoration period, and if there's
a spirited heroine, a dashing hero, and some Court intrigue along with the
swash and buckle, I am one happy camper. Lady Anne's Dangerous Man delivered
on all fronts.
In Restoration England, Lady Anne Gascoigne looks forward to taking her
wedding vows with Edward, Lord Waverby, the man she thinks she loves. She's
anxious to build a life with him and deepen their emotional as well as physical
relationship…until she hears Edward plotting to deliver her to Charles II as
his newest mistress. Anne's not up for that.
With the help of Anne's father and her uncle, the Bishop of Ely, her
escape comes in the form of the dashing highwayman John (aka Gentleman Johnny)
Gilbert, about to be hanged. Facing his end though he may be, John trades
banter with onlooker Nell Gwynn, a friend and former lover, and receives a second
chance when Anne's father, a judge, intervenes. If John can keep Anne hidden
from both Edward and Charles, John can have his freedom and begin a new life.
John has no choice but to accept.
From their first meeting, Anne and John share a curious attraction that
takes on a life of its own. Cultures clash, as both Anne and John are products
of their different worlds. The rules of the game change with a startling
revelation, and the adventure begins, assembling a cast of intriguing secondary
characters from a rather creative doctor to a Quaker maid, and various
members of Gentleman Johnny's band. Before Anne and John can find their happily
ever after, they must run the gauntlet of fiendish plots, royal decrees and
marital mishap that will keep readers turning pages late into the night.
Ms. Westin has done her historical research, and it shows, in the most
natural way possible. Details of 17th century life and various perspectives on
the morals of the time give the story a rich flavor that grounds the reader in
the vivid setting. Fans of the early days of historical romance or classic
Errol Flynn movies will find Lady Anne's Dangerous Man an utter delight.
Readers who prefer a more wallpaper approach to their historicals may find the
period language and multiple adventures a bit much for their taste, but the love
that grows between Anne and John is truly a partnership of equals. I
believe their devotion to each other, and cheered when they reached their happily
ever after at last. Jeane Westin is a new autobuy author.
