The Wicked Ways of a True Hero

I haven't read a Barbara Metzger book I didn't like. This one was another enjoyable read. Fun, lighthearted and witty. I enjoyed the first two books of this trilogy and was happy to see Daniel's story in a book of his own. There's no need for tissues here. And the love scenes won't scorch the pages. But if you want a break from heartache, anguish and nearly-porn this is a good book that will leave you smiling.

3 ½ - 4 stars. This is the final book in Metzger's 'True Love' trilogy about the Royce family whose men have an unusual ability to detect the truth, such as one sees red and another has a bitter taste when they hear someone speak falsely. They hide their 'gift' from all but a few, lest they be seen as sorcerers or worse. This book features Royce cousin Daniel Stamfield, who breaks out in a rash if he hears a lie, making it difficult for him to be out in society. Using his talent, Daniel was a crack interrogator for the British army during the recent Napoleonic war. But his giant size and amazing success unfairly earned him a reputation as a brute. The war took its toll on Daniel and he has since drowned himself in booze and gambling and women...fiercely resisting pleas from his cousins to put his power to use in fighting crime. Then his widowed mother comes to London for his sister's come-out and insists that Daniel, as head of the family, help in the effort. Daniel is forced to clean up, sober up and move in with his mother and sister. Upon his arrival, he is alarmed to find that his mother's goddaughter, Miss Corisande "Corie" Abbott, is staying with them as well. Daniel has not seen or heard of Corie in three years...since he helped her father track her down and prevent her elopement to an army officer. Daniel caught them in bed at an inn en route to their wedding and now assumes the worst of Corie, calling her a whore and a bad influence...albeit a very beautiful one. Corie thinks Daniel is the immoral one and a thoughtless ruffian to boot. She hates him for thwarting her escape from her abusive father, who has kept her a virtual prisoner since. Now, with her godmother's help, Corie hopes to once and for all be free of her sire by finding a husband during the London season. Daniel and Corie should want nothing to do with each other...but there's no accounting for the ways of the heart. Barbara Metzger is an excellent writer with a wonderful sense of humor. Daniel's troublesome and poorly timed outbreaks are truly funny, as are the couple's private thoughts about each other. And the initial exchange between Corie and Daniel is dynamite. Unfortunately, there is not enough of this sparkling banter. There are also too few romantic moments, as the couple spends a good part of the book outwardly resisting the other or denying their feelings, while inwardly yearning for each other's love. Too much of the romance takes place in their minds, and what romance there is, is not very intimate. Daniel is pretty loveable, though, as he progresses from swaggering rake to besotted beau, while coming to terms with his remarkable talent. I like this book overall and have also liked the series, particularly the first book, "Truly Yours".

Three years ago, believing he was doing the right thing, Daniel Stamfield interceded on behalf of her father to stop Corisande Abbott's elopement. She begged him not to return her to her nasty father, but he believed her dad that his daughter was just an inane disobedient daughter. He brought her home to her family. Chaperoned by her mother and accompanied by her sister, Corisande is in London for the season. Daniel is attracted to her, but still believes her father's assessment of his daughter. However, as he gets to know her, Daniel concludes Corisande was and is telling the truth. They begin sleuthing together seeking to learn who is counterfeiting money. As they fall in love, Daniel no longer regrets what he did three plus years ago as he wants Corisande as his wife while love has enabled her to forgive him. However, as they investigate together neither is confident with taking that critical first step of informing the other of how they feel. Returning to the Regency world of THE SCANDALOUS LIFE OF A TRUE LADY, Barbara Metzger provides her readers with a wonderful romance starring two delightful intelligent protagonists. The story line is fast-paced from the intervention to the courting as Daniel, an asset to his country for his uncanny ability to know when someone is lying, finds his greatest skill failed him three years ago and apparently fails him now; as it don't work as well as kisses to reveal the truth. Regency romance readers will appreciate Ms. Metzger amusing historical due to the unique courtship of the lead couple. Harriet Klausner