The Viscount's Bawdy Bargain

In 1816 an intoxicated Viscount Nicholas Pryce knows that the honor of his group of rowdies the Dashers are at stake to defeat their rivals the Blades who put down the gauntlet. The Dashers must come up with something unique quite shortly if they want to win 1000 pounds. Nicholas suggests they parade a virgin. His target is the daughter of the brimstone and fire Reverend Culpepper. His group abducts Wilhelmina, show her to their opponents, and win the bet.Wilhelmina sees Nicholas as an opportunity to elude a proposed bad marriage to her hypocritical father's chosen one so she remains in his bedroom over night. To his surprise, she refuses his offer of marriage, but accepts employment. As she disrupts his lifestyle, causing his staff to walk out in protest over his failure to do the honorable thing, they fall in love. However, can a commoner's daughter who has brought hookers and thieves into his home and a blue blood find happiness especially when she refuses to wed him.This Regency is a fun tale that uses the decadence of aristocratic youth to spin the plot. The story line never takes itself seriously yet contains an important undertone dealing with employment opportunities for the poor. The lead couple is a delight and much of the cast adds depth though her dad is so obviously avarice he could have been a televangelist.Harriet Klausner

Although a lot of times I do not agree with Romantic Times - I do this time. It was an enjoyable read. I have read one of her other books Romancing Riley and that was good also. This book however just felt like it lacked a certain something to make it a 4 star book. Sometimes I found some of the writing confusing - who was thinking what etc. but she did a great job of building interest in characters that I am sure will be in the next book from her, namely the Duke of Ravensfield and the american heiress. So I am sure I will read the book if that is the case.