His Wicked Seduction

In Smith's disappointing second League of Rogues Regency romance (after Wicked Designs), love is a madness, which must be why Horatia Sheridan is not acting anything like her sensible self. She has been in love with her brother's best friend, Lucien Russell, the Marquess of Rochester, since she was 14, and at the ripe age of 20 she has become tired of his aloofness. Lucien is a rake, with one of the worst reputations in all of London, and Horatia craves the passion he is infamous for. If Horatia had been anyone but his friend's sister, Lucien would have seduced her without a qualm, but Lucien would never do anything to hurt any member of the League of Rogues. Horatia wants him to see her as someone worthy of his love and attention; he is sure he cannot love or be faithful. There is little of Horatia's much-vaunted practicality in this maudlin romance, just poorly thought-out schemes, passionate interludes, and subsequent tears. The bondage scenes are described in great detail, along with Lucien's preference for red silk, but there aren't enough amiable moments outside the bedroom to justify their hot-and-cold relationship. The subplot with Horatia's sister Audrey and her quest to get married is amusing, and the shadowy enemy of the series is still a threat, but the saving grace of this romance is getting to know the other members of the League better. (Nov.)