DUCHESS BY NIGHT

AVON BOOKS (2008), 366 pages, $7.99 (paperback)
What happens when you take a prim and proper duchess and introduce her to one of the country’s most notoriously scandalous rogues?
You get a deliciously scandalous romance, of course.
Both Harriet and Jem (Lord Strange) were introduced earlier in previous James’ books. Harriet is a duchess, the widow of a man who loved chess more than her and committed suicide. Jem lives in a notorious house where orgies and wickedness are rumored to occur on a daily basis.
When Harriet’s friend concocts a plan to get her missing husband to return home, Harriet volunteers to accompany her. The plan? To visit Lord Strange’s house of iniquity. It works, and sets up James’ next novel in the Desperate Duchesses series.
But this book is about Harriet and Jem.
Harriet arrives at Jem’s house disguised as a young man – which causes Jem some angst at first. He eventually uncovers the truth (and Harriet) and the couple embarks on an affair.
Life in Jem’s house is unlike anything the prim and proper Harriet has ever experienced. But it’s like a scandalous vacation for Harriet, and while she cherishes her time there with Jem, she knows she can’t live that way forever.
And she can’t hide her identity as a duchess from Jem forever either.
Jem dislikes dukes and duchesses, so Harriet is reluctant to reveal her true identity. When she does, Jem doesn’t react very lovably.
But that just sets up the final four chapters (plus an epilogue) that are wonderfully romantic and in which Jem makes more than adequate amends for sending Harriet away with a broken heart.


Overall rating: 4 of 5 hearts. A romantic and fun story about two characters worthy of true love, but who have had a difficult time finding it. The supporting cast is delightful and the story is charming.

Hunk appeal: 10. Jem has his demons that unwittingly control his life. It’s nice to discover that he doesn’t completely live up to his wickedly and scandalous reputation – completely. He’s not totally gallant with Harriet all the time, but by the end he’s totally besotted and devoted.

Steamy scene grade: XXXX. He has his wicked and scandalous moments.

Happily-Ever-After: Very good. Watching Jem realize how much he loves Harriet is touching and hearing him beg her forgiveness is sweetly satisfying. The epilogue is sweet.

Also this week …

OBSESSION, by Karen Robards (2007, paperback) – 3-plus of 5. This is a welldone book, heavy on intrigue with interesting characters and a suspenseful plot. The romance, however, is rather understated. Still, it's there. And if you're in the mood for a lot of suspense with a dab of romance, this is the one to read. If you do want to read "Obsession" and you want to be totally surprised, stop here -- and definitely don't peek at the end of the book.
One night, Katharine is awakened by bad guys who beat her up looking for something she knows nothing about. She escapes and finds herself with a weird sort of amnesia ... or something.
Dan, a neighbor, becomes a pal and helps her flee the danger she senses is following her. Most of the book is about Katharine dealing with weird mind stuff, trying to figure out why she doesn't remember certain things, why she has certain feelings and why she feels like she's living in someone else's body. As a romance, it's rather weak. But as a good read, it's rather strong. It keeps you guessing and wondering.