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Adam Vickery, the Marquess of Tannerton (Tanner) led a life of pleasure as befitted a man with his wealth. His pursuits were many but now he looked back on his life and found that he was no longer happy, especially as he reflected the outcome of his last quest that inadvertently led to the loss of three lives. Now on a ship, he stood not able to take his eyes off of a shackled prisoner – a woman who stood defiant and dignified as the sea around them raged in turbulence. Marlena Parronley, the notorious Vanishing Viscountess, was a fugitive. She remembered the dashingly handsome Marquess from days long ago when as a debutante she’d shared a dance at a masquerade ball. He didn’t recognize her which was a good thing, because she couldn’t afford letting anyone help her escape and share the same punishment that awaited her back in London – the hangman’s noose. *** Diane Gaston aka Diane Perkins has thrilled me since her debut of THE MYSTERIOUS MISS M. She followed that up with several more of her sometimes gritty, creative, always sensual and original Regency historical endeavors. In her previous book, INNOCENCE AND IMPROPRIETY Ms. Gaston first introduced the Marquess of Tannerton, where he pursued, but didn’t get the girl! So as a follow-up (thank goodness) we get to see Tanner acquire another chance at happiness. With the Regency period being a particular love of mine, I am always eager to read Gaston’s romances, and I am thrilled to have found an author who has taken the period and mixes a dash of the ‘downstairs’ side along with the ‘upstairs’ side of the ton. In the previous book, Tanner was portrayed as somewhat bored but used to getting what he wanted, money being no object, and perfectly content at having all his whims catered to with no more than a word to his secretary. While this book is completely stand alone, the greater enjoyment for me was that having read INNOCENCE and IMPROPRIETY I was able to see how much Tanner had grown. With that realization he wasn’t really happy with his carefree life so far, which was why it was so important for him to save Marlena, without really knowing what her crime had been. Marlena was crafted beautifully - dignified, determined, and brave. Her initial crush on Tanner from a dashing young man, was only intensified as he attempted to help her escape. His pleas to let him help her to use his influence as a Marquess to extricate her out of her troubles were heartfelt. Unfortunately, Marlena knew if Tanner were discovered aiding her he would suffer the same fate as she, which was why her refusal to reveal all to him was a perfect scenario. As they traveled along the road to freedom their romance was sensually spun at a perfect pace to build up beautifully into a most wonderful love story. Gaston has once again spun the most perfectly delicious winning tale of romance with captivating characters, paired with an adventuresome journey. The readers’ attention will be snared from the first page to the edge of the seat exhilarating end. Bravo, Ms. Gaston with this latest charmer! Marilyn Rondeau – Reviewers International Organization (RIO) |
The Vanishing Viscountess
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