Wicked Rivals

Clever wit and predictability are the hallmarks of Smith’s fourth League of Rogues historical erotic romance (after Her Wicked Proposal), set in 1821 England. Lady Rosalind Melbourne is a young widow who is the agent of her own destiny. The death of her husband left her well off and in charge of her own businesses. Baron Ashton Lennox is a member of a small, exclusive brotherhood known as the League of Rogues, gentlemen loyal only to each other and their spouses. Ashton is determined to avoid marriage, which he sees as a trap, and is focused on bringing down Hugo Waverly, a lifelong nemesis of the Rogues—who happens to be Rosalind’s business partner. Rosalind readily engages Ashton in a battle of business acumen, and both make strategic moves as well as occasional risqué ones. Ashton enjoys the thrill of the chase; for Rosalind the stakes are much higher, and she’s determined to win. Smith starts off strong with a unique view of the London elite of the time and richly detailed backstories for the characters, but the cycling through mutual respect, arguing, and passion starts to feel repetitive, and the sex scenes are awkward. (BookLife)