The dark belly of London of the early 1800’s isn’t the usual setting for a historical romance, but to journey there with Liz Carlyle’s newest series is worth the trip.  

Miss Xanthia Neville runs Neville shipping, her family’s company.  It’s an unusual past time for a lady, but Xanthia doesn’t worry about it much.  She loves the work, loves the excitement and challenge and as a result, is a still a spinster at the ripe old age of not-quite-thirty.  But being alone is dull, so Xanthia decides to have an affair.  She makes a bold move at a party, but soon realizes that she’s taken on more than she planned and runs.   

Lord Nash is entranced by the mystery woman who so boldly kissed him at the party.  After finding out who she is he decides to make a move, asking her brother for permission to court her.  Nash isn’t exactly the cream of society, moving more often in the company of those with certain ‘tastes’ than with the ton.  But situations put the two together, and they soon realize that what really matters isn’t what others think, but what they know.  

I loved this book.  Xanthia was unique, not subscribing to the rules of society, yet able to move within it.  Nash was, on the surface, a rake beyond the usual, but deep down his integrity won the day and surprised me constantly. 

As a side note, the conversations between Nash and his man Gibbons are some of the cleverest I’ve read in a long time.  And the character Mr. Kemble deserves his own book.  He’s a gem, and these lighter moments in a story that for the most part was quite dark added a depth that I didn’t expect.  It was a joy to read.  

Reviewed by Sue Waldeck for The Road to Romance

September 11, 2007