Beverley returns with another Regency-era romance loosely tied to her Company of Rogues series (Hazard, etc.). Tristan, the reluctant Duke of St. Raven, is posing as a highwayman when he stumbles upon Miss Cressida Mandeville. Tristan takes it upon himself to spirit Cressida away from her odious traveling companion, the debauched Lord Crofton, but much to Tristan's confusion, Cressida doesn't seem at all grateful for her rescue. As it turns out, she's accompanying Crofton for her own reasons, and St. Raven's interference has jeopardized her plans. Despite her anger, Cressida is strongly attracted to her would-be hero, and her feelings only deepen when he agrees to help her complete her quest. Although St. Raven returns Cressida's affections, they're divided by the dictates of London society—how could a duke ever marry a plain miss from Matlock? Beverley takes her readers through unsavory house parties and London ballrooms, but the journey meanders and lacks energy. In addition, St. Raven and Cressida never really resolve the class issue that holds them apart for much of the novel. While Beverley's diehard fans may enjoy this lackluster romance, anyone not completely in love with her Rogues would be wise to give St. Raven a pass. (Feb. 4)
