The Millionaire Rogue

The quest to find the elusive French Blue Diamond in Regency England is fraught with danger in the clever second installment of Peterson’s Hope Diamond Trilogy (after The Gentleman Jewel Thief). Writer Sophia Blaise is interviewing a famous madam, intending to write her memoirs, when London banker Thomas Hope bursts into the room. This unexpected meeting leads to a madcap race for their lives. Thomas has purchased the titular diamond from Princess Charlotte; when it goes astray, he must recover it to keep his business from going bankrupt. Along the way, a single kiss ignites passionate desire between Thomas and Sophia, but he knows that he can’t compete with Sophia’s aristocratic suitor, the Marquess of Withington. Sophia, quickly smitten by Thomas, must choose between marrying for a title and financial security or marrying for love. The romance is enticing, with a strong mystery propelling the story forward, and the characters are witty and real. (Jan.)