Leo Harrow, Earl of Barrington, is a regular subject of the scandal rags. Once an unrepentant pleasure seeker, he knows that young ladies are warned to look the other way when he enters a room. But when he comes face to face with a woman from his past—the one that got away—he will do anything to keep the rumors about him at bay. Or risk losing her forever…

Genevieve Camden is no stranger to Leo’s seductive ways. Years ago she was fooled into believing that he cared about her…and now that he’s back on the ballroom floor, he appears to be making amends. But this time Genny knows better: A scoundrel never changes his stripes—not even one as charming and handsome as Leo. Unless maybe he’s been in love with her all along…?

Review

Clare’s latest group of misfits begins their scandals at a house party…

Leo, or Lord Barrington, is on a mission to court a young debutante in the hopes of convincing her to jilt her fiancé. He doesn’t expect her chaperone to be the only woman that’s ever captured his heart. Desperate to win back the love of his life Leo’s willing to do anything to gain her affection, even risk her reputation. I love Leo’s determination, and his willingness to embrace his emotions. He sees the object he desires and is bound and determined to have her, especially since she makes him act completely out of character. The man is supposed to be a rogue, but seems more concerned with simple interaction then seduction engaging Genny and her cousin in a shop:

Those who knew him or of him would remark that he’d never paid mind to another woman so openly as he done with Genny just now. At least he’d never been so attentive to a lady in the public eye.

Genevieve Camden, as a companion, is determined to avoid scandal until she can see her cousin Charlotte married. Even though she spent several nights in Leo’s embrace years before she refuses to fall for the scoundrels advances. I didn’t warm to her endless protests and tirades, and quickly hoped that Genny would be someone I could find relatable. I understood her hesitance, Leo was the man who ruined her, and she loved him. But externally her physical response is completely different than her words. She loses the same amount of control as Leo. 

The moment the house party starts these two are inseparable and I found points of these lengthy interactions a bit boring, and drawn out. Honestly I was looking for a bit more excitement and action rather than slow pace of a country house party with very little scandal. Honestly, I felt like the Mayfair Chronicler, the book’s scandal report, who even expresses boredom with the limited gossip. The sensual interludes were hot and frequent, with superb description; a talent that continues from Clare’s previous books.

Secondary characters were a big interest for me. I’m extremely excited about Charlotte’s, the cousin, story. She gets involved with another Dangerous Rogue, Lord Tristan. The remaining rogues, Hayden and Lady Jezebel, are also a bit of fresh air. Lady Jez especially because she speaks her mind and doesn’t care. I really enjoyed an interaction she has with Genny towards the back half of the book:

Genny pinched her lips together, knowing that a rebuttal would probably only have Lady Fallon continuing her tirade. “It does me no good to talk to a brick wall.”

The dowager countess laughed. “Calculating, frosty, degenerate, harlot, charlatan, and player. Those are the typical choice words society showers down on me.” Lady Fallon shrugged. “I don’t think I’ve ever been likened to a brick wall.”

Overall, this first in Clare’s new series is a good start. The characters were not as memorable as the secondary ones, and I look forward to reading more tales of the Dangerous Rogues. If you like a story with a slower pace, a dedicated H/H romance without any distractions, and sensuality nearing close to an erotica Wicked Nights is one to purchase.

Reviewed by Landra

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