DEVIL'S PRIZE

Author: Jane Jackson ISBN: 0709084803 2/2008 HISTORICAL Publisher: ROBERT HALE LTD
Time Period: Regency

Cornish smuggler, Devlin 'Devil' Varcoe, braves winter weather and revenue men to fetch the contraband on which Porthinnis depends for survival. Drawn to Jenefer Trevanion, whose father finances the smuggling operation, Devlin is seduced by beautiful wild-child Tamara Gillis. When fire destroys her home, Jenefer is forced to work in the pilchard cellars. Meanwhile, craving Tamara for himself, Thomas Varcoe plots to kill his brother. Rejected by Devlin, a pregnant Tamara is pressured to marry Tomas. It is only when he faces death that Devlin finally recognises the love he never believed he deserved. Then disaster strikes and he must choose: loyalty or freedom?

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

DEVIL'S PRIZE by Jane Jackson brings swashbucklers, schooners, lugs and all manner of centuries'-old nautical figures to life. It is written in such a vivid and engaging manner that I felt transported back in time.

The hero of this tale, a smuggler who at first glance seems a brute and a cad, Devlin Varcoe, risks life and limb with every voyage. He falls prey to the beauty of a young woman whose motivation is dictated by her heart. But Devlin refuses to acquiesce when he learns of her pregnancy, leaving Tamara open to the sniggering of village gossips. Her mother cannot abide it and tells her she must accept Thomas, Devlin's brother's, hand.

DEVIL'S PRIZE is filled with twists and turns, and honestly I wasn't quite certain where any of the characters would end up. I particularly liked Jenefer, whose fierce protection of her injured sister is admirable. Tamara was also a sympathetic young woman, caught in a dilemma mostly of her own making. The characters, their depth and emotions, are the focus of this story. I won't give anything away, but I will say the ending suited me just fine!

Kay James