Tempting Fortune

When Portia St. Claire's half-brother gambles away the family estate, leaving them penniless, she sets off in search of a wealthy family friend, the Earl of Walgrave, from whom she hopes to secure a loan. Unfortunately, although Walgrave proves elusive, Portia has repeated, disturbing run-ins with handsome and notorious rake Bryght Malloren. Poor, plain and past the usual age for marriage, Portia recognizes that the well-connected Bryght is out of her league; moreover, she despises him as a gambler who, she suspects, contributed to her family's ruin. To her chagrin, she finds him strangely compelling. And Bryght, increasingly captivated, sets himself the difficult tasks of proving to her that they are truly soul mates and that he is not the rogue she thinks him. But circumstances and various scheming associates continually conspire to thwart Bryght's efforts. Beverley's latest fast-paced romp through 18th-century London is tremendous fun, and the hero and heroine are likable and satisfyingly complex. The chemistry between them is compelling, and the well-constructed plot keeps the pages turning. This is romance fiction at its best. (Mar.)