The Sandalwood Princess and Knaves' Wager: 6

I rate this 5 plus stars based on Knave's Wager alone! The Sandalwood Princess is good as well, but Knave's Wager has to be one of my few favorites. I have read it multiple times - in fact, I have the previous edition of the book. I love Loretta Chase's old works, which for some reason are a little different than her newer ones. The plot has been summed up nicely by others, but I would just like to say how incredibly wonderful this book was. The main characters as well as the secondary characters were wonderfully developed, and none of them were either unrealistic or stereotypes. The dialogue was fast moving and very witty, and the plot had enough twists and turns to keep me on my toes. I love Lilith and Julian both, and would have loved to see them again in a nother book. Also try Loretta Chase's Isabella and The English Witch, both of which are gems as well.

Having spent many years living in India away from her native England, Amanda Cavencourt is finally on her way home. A fairwell visit to a powerful Indian Princess gifts her with a precious wooden statue "The Sandalwood Princess" which is reputed to confer joy & fertility upon the bearer. This idol is also desperately desired by a gentleman who enlists the help of an unofficial goverment spy to retrieve it. The notorious agent enlisted is known as "Falcon", and quickly wrests the statue away from Amanda. When they both find themselves aboard the same England bound boat Amanda begins to plot to retreive the statue, and Falcon to guard it. Matters are greatly complicated by the illness and ensuing infatuation of the Falcon's aide with Amanda's handy maid Bella. Also travelling with Amanda is an unlooked for Indian servant - Padji. For tangled reasons he continues with her, and attempts to guard her against the notorious Falcon. The story ends up back in India with a convincing twist of plot & is throughly delightful all the way. I sighed a tear or two and my heart clenched in places, with the perfection of the discriptions and poignant plots. Ms Chase has concocted a delightful froth and whipped it to perfection, allowing the reader to enjoy from the first page to the last. ***Knave's Wager*** Lillith Davenport must marry again. She has settled upon a reliable gentleman and will sacrifice her independence for the future of her beloved nieces (one hopes they're worth it!) Enter the "bad beautiful angel" determined to seduce her and his wayward nephew... Set in regency England of course, this fine story sails along convincingly & touchingly, with charming charachters and the usual Chase wit - interjected where most welcome & least expected. Lilith is a heroine who really IS sensible, looks after herself, doesn't sigh after the wicked hero, never makes foolish decisions and needs rescuing and altogether manages to be more convincing than any other creation. Even with all this sense & so little sensibility, she remains a refreshing & charming character whist he is just the opposite but so very debonair and beautifully repentant later. A great set from one of the Regency genre's best authors. kotori [email protected]