THE CONTRARY CORINTHIAN

Author: Emily Johnson ISBN: 9780709084105 12/2007 HISTORICAL Publisher: ROBERT HALE LTD.
Time Period: Regency

Miss Phoebe Thorpe had no idea why she had stirred the wrath of Valentine, Lord Lathan, but she most certainly had. On the other hand Val finds a mystery involving the lovely Phoebe and a set of twins, twins he knew nothing about but resembled him! And he had never met Miss Thorpe! Angered beyond belief, the handsome and extremely well-connected member of the Ton sets out to wreak vengeance on her with all the weapons at his command. First he did his worst to cast a shadow on her good name in the top levels of Society. Then he attempts to force her to choose a husband from the most impossible suitors his wicked sense of humor could dredge up. But Phoebe found that the most dangerous thing of all was that she had roused more than the anger of this infuriatingly irresistible gentleman. She had set aflame his desires as well...

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

Val is lamenting the loss of his best friend, Lord Norwood, to matrimony when he finds himself in the middle of a situation that may prove to be more vexing even than Lord Norwood's defection. The marriage makes Val wonder if the time isn't right for him to settle down and produce a heir as well. After all, he is a Corinthian-a fellow of great style and ton-and it seems fated that he will eventually do as Lord Norwood has done. He vows to look more favorably on the women in his circle in an attempt to find a suitable woman to become Lady Latham.

THE CONTRARY CORINTHIAN by Emily Johnson is an engaging tale. Val definitely lives up to the title, being a truly contrary Corinthian. He is fairly monstrous to Phoebe Thorpe, who can't fathom what she's done to become the object of this man's less-than-charming attentions. Regardless, the two are pulled toward each other. The story is well written but predictable, entertaining but lacking surprise. I enjoyed reading this and will look to read more from this author. She paints a good portrait of the peerage.

Kay James