The Beautiful Stranger (Rogues of Regent Street, Book 3)

I'm not one to read romance novels as much as something by Dean Koontz or James Patterson. But a friend of mine told me to read the series The Rogues of Regent Street. I feel The Beautiful Stranger was by far the best of the three and one of the most intriguing books I've read yet. It was a far cry from the other romance novels I've read in that it had a realistic base to it. In some series, you can read any book out of order and its still a good book, but I would suggest reading the first two books in this series in order to get the true feel of the last.

A wonderful finale to a great series of books. Arthur and Kerry's love story was so beautiful! It was funny and entertaining how they met and spent days trying to get back to her home. I love Julia London's wit and she makes you fall in love with the characters. My favorite of the three was The Ruthless Charmer, but this one was just about as good. And I'm actually kind of bummed that it's over. I waited and waited for this book to come out and it's been fun seeing the characters reappear in each book, including Alex and Lauren of Wicked Angel. If you like historical romance, you really won't want to miss any of London's books. They're the kind of books you start to read and can't put down until you're finished because from the first page, she pulls you in and when it's over, you think to yourself, What am I going to read now?

Julia London is a gifted writer. This, her final book in the Rogues series, is as good if not even better than the first two. There are no dead spots in this book, just a few chapters at the start to put the scenario in place and then it is non-stop delight to the very last page. Arthur is a true heartthrob and Kerry is a smart, witty, delightful heroine. All the characters are well thought-out and depicted with affection and detail. The love scenes are sensual but done with impeccable taste. The very original plot is smart and not cliche-ridden. It is an emotional roller coaster, especially the last few chapters. I read it in two days. And I was busy at work!The only drawback to a writer who consistently hits it out of the park like Ms. London is that she truly crafts her novels and that takes time. How we all wish we could enjoy one of her books every month. But...she is well worth the wait.

In 1834, one of the four Rogues of Regent, St. Phillip Rothembow, forces a duel with his friend Adrian Spence and dies. The three survivors, Adrian, Arthur Christian, and Julian Dare all take it badly and three years later still grieve Phillip's actions.In 1837, Phillip's dad angrily confronts Arthur over a legal document that shows the deceased bought worthless Scottish property that has taxes in arrears. Rothembow obtains a vow from Arthur to fix it. Still feeling guilty and needing to escape his sister-in-law's matchmaking efforts, Arthur travels to Edinburgh to evict the current tenant, Mr. Fraser.Fraser is dead, but his wife Kerry McKinnon receives the eviction notice. Apparently her late spouse owes taxes and money on a loan. Kerry visits Lord Montcrieffe who offers his dimwitted son in marriage in order to pay the debt. Kerry refuses but while waiting for the public carriage meets Arthur. Thinking he is a highwayman, she shoots him. Now their story really begins.THE BEAUTIFUL STRANGER is an exciting conclusion to the Rogues of Regent St. trilogy. (See THE DANGEROUS GENTLEMAN and THE RUTHLESS CHARMER). The story line is loaded with action and romance as the charming lead couple struggles with their feelings for each other. The supporting cast including the return of stars and secondary players from the previous tales brings to life the era as well as adding depth to Kerry and Arthur. Julia London has written a powerful final act to a strong miniseries and, in doing so, demonstrates why historical romances are so much fun to read.Harriet Klausner

It is 1837, and Arthur Christian, younger son of a duke, still holds himself responsible for the death of his friend Phillip three years prior. In and effort to cleanse his soul and sooth his sense of responsibility, he travels to Scotland to tie up some loose ends relating to Phillip's legal affairs. While in Scotland, Arthur happens upon Kerry McKinnon, a beautiful young widow who is stranded along the road where Arthur is traveling. Circumstances force the pair to return to Glenbaden, the home Kerry is struggling to keep though faced with insurmountable debt. When tragedy strikes, and Kerry must return to England with Arthur, she comes face to face with the realities separating them. Will their love for one another be strong enough to endure their differences? Part of the allure of this novel is that the hero and heroine are from such totally different backgrounds, but this ceases to matter as their purpose becomes one in working the land of Kerry's home. Julia London cleverly uses this earthy setting where Kerry and Arthur are able to explore their attraction for one another without the artifice of the London drawing room. The protagonists are so complex and multifaceted that the reader can almost feel the emotion seeping from every page. For characters and a story to fall in love with, don't miss this latest by Julia London-she's definitely done it again.