The Rogue Is Back in Town: The Wayward Wallflowers, Book 3

In the entertaining third installment of Bennett’s Wayward Wallflowers series (after I Dared the Duke), Juliette, the only unmarried one of “the infamous Lacey sisters,” faces a choice between two brothers: Nigel, the respectable but secretly conniving Marquess of Currington, and his younger brother, Sam, a rogue whose debauched reputation precedes him. The brothers physically resemble each other, but their characters are very different. Nigel forces Sam to evict Juliette and her uncle from their home, intending to threaten her reputation and compel her to become his mistress. Sam, after a couple of days clandestinely living with Juliette, falls in love, having discovered someone for whom he’s willing to redeem himself. Some suspension of disbelief is required; for example, Juliette has no qualms about losing her virginity to Sam, though he gives no indication that their relationship has any possible future; she feels it’s worth it because he “made her feel... beautiful, respected, and loved.” Nigel’s character lacks nuance, being purely evil. However, Juliette’s Uncle Alistair has a sweet charm, and the story’s action, plot twists, and lovers with good hearts and good chemistry offer plenty to satisfy Regency fans. (Jan.)