With this deftly woven tale of romantic intrigue, Beverley (The Dragon's Bride, etc.) completes her Regency-era trilogy devoted to "The Georges," three lifelong friends who return from Waterloo to find themselves facing trying circumstances. Major George "Hawk" Hawkinville would be relieved to be home if it weren't for his father, John Gervase. In an attempt to obtain the title of the recently deceased, notorious Lord Deveril, John, a distant relative of Deveril's, has squandered his estate on lawyers and bad investments. The only way Hawk can save Hawkinville Manor is to snare the Devil's Heiress, the "scheming chit" who was betrothed to Deveril and wrongfully inherited his fortune. To Hawk's surprise, the heiress is Clarissa Greystone, a plain woman whose only wish is to live quietly outside of society where people won't sneer at her family name or her legacy. Upon meeting Hawk, however, she is tempted to entertain thoughts of a future with another, but before she and Hawk can come together, they will have to join forces with the Company of Rogues, a band of friends who never stay out of mischief, to sort out Deveril's complicated legacy. Head and shoulders above the usual Regency fare, this novel's sensitive prose, charismatic characters and expert plotting will keep readers enthralled from first page to last. (Aug. 7)
