This time out, I have the latest from Karen Robards, which will delight her historical romance fans, Shameless (Gallery, received from publisher). Lady Elizabeth Banning is about to follow her sisters into scandal, and love. She's tossed over more than one fiance, and the latest is really not happy about his public embarrassment, never mind that it's not entirely Beth's fault, and he's determined to make her change her mind about wedding him. A very attractive stranger rescues her from a potentially embarrassing situation that would put her squarely into the biggest scandal of her life, though Beth has done a pretty fair job defending her own honor. Still, the situation requires she have some assistance in extricating herself fully, and spy/assassin Neil Severin believes he will be able to use the situation to his advantage. Except he'll have to rescue her again from a potentially more dangerous spot when one of those jilted fiances kidnaps her. Beth is resourceful, though not quite resourceful enough to completely save herself and the other women she finds herself with in an auction. This is one young woman who cannot seem to keep herself out of trouble, whether it's something she stumbled into or mischief another has instigated, and Neil turns out to be quite good at saving her. So good, in fact, that when he needs to be rescued, Beth is right there to return the favor. Robards fans will be beside themselves with delight when they lay hands on this one. Regency romance fans will also enjoy it, I imagine. I found it entertaining, but didn't find it a keeper. Perhaps that's because I am not really a Robards fan, or perhaps because the time period is not my favorite either. In any case, I'm borrowing three and a half of Cupid's five arrows for this one.
Until next time, happy reading!
