Notorious

What would writer, philosopher, and women's rights champion Mary Wollstonecraft think? Actually, as a charter member of the Society for the Practical Application of Wollstonecraftian Ideals, Drusilla Clare knows exactly what her idol would say about matrimony, especially to a man like Gabriel Marlington. Unfortunately, after Dru is caught in a compromising, albeit completely innocent, position with Gabriel at a ball one night, the only option the two have that will keep Dru from being utterly shunned by polite society is to marry. However, when their marriage of convenience starts heating up into something much more passionate, Dru discovers there just might be some advantages to having a scandalous rake as a husband. Romance readers will feel like they have hit the literary trifecta with Notorious, the first brilliantly crafted book in much-awarded Spencer's brand-new Regency-set Rebels of the Ton series. Spencer serves up an irresistible cocktail of smart characterization, sophisticated sensuality, and sharp wit--all while orchestrating her own clever spin on the popular bluestocking-and-rake trope.

The tangled Victorian romance that launches the Rebels of the Ton series from Spencer (the Academy of Love series) kicks off when the very wealthy Drusilla Clare is discovered in what appears to be a compromising position with her conversational sparring partner and secret crush, Gabriel Marlington. The two must marry to save their reputations, but guarded Drusilla, a "follower of Mary Wollstonecraft," finds no joy in the prospect of marriage--and worries about what being married to man she loves unrequitedly will do to her psyche. Algerian-born Gabe has been the subject of gossip since his arrival in London and doesn't want his good name smeared. He doesn't understand why his new wife has always treated him with such vitriol, but he's determined to try to have a happy, monogamous marriage. The more Gabe seduces Drusilla with his intellect and patience, the more she lowers her guard and lets him see her true feelings--but Gabe's made some powerful enemies by ruffling feathers among London's upper crust, and the budding romance may not survive the threats on their lives. Though Drusilla's defensive hostility toward Gabe grows tedious, both characters are strong, complex, and believable, and the cliffhanger offers a nice setup for the sequel. Readers who like thrills mixed in with their romance should check this out. Agent: Jessica Alvarez, BookEnds Literary. (Dec.)

Drusilla Clare believes in using her wealth to support charitable endeavors, not to catch a husband. Happy to be a wallflower if it means having control over her choices, she believes there is only one man who could sway her options: her best friend's brother, Gabriel Marlington. When Gabriel rescues Drusilla from a compromising situation, both know the proper thing to do is to wed. Gabriel is willing to give a happy marriage a chance, but his history and the secrets he's keeping may derail his good intentions. Yet he's not the only one keeping secrets, and as tensions flare the pair struggles to be honest with each other to make the relationship work. VERDICT Spencer ("Outcasts" series) kicks off the "Rebels of the Ton" books with two Regency rebels trying to navigate polite society while staying true to themselves. Packed full of fiery exchanges and passionate embraces, this is for those who prefer their Regencies on the scandalous side.--Kellie Tilton, Univ. of Cincinnati, Blue Ash