TILL DAWN WITH THE DEVIL

Author: Alexandra Hawkins ISBN:9780312381257 8/2010 HISTORICAL Publisher: ST. MARTIN'S PRESS
Time Period: 1821

Notorious, handsome, and decadent, the Lords of Vice break rules and hearts with equal aplomb. But even the wickedest of men is no match for a virtuous woman…  SOMETIMES IT TAKES A ROGUE… Few women can resist a man like Gabriel “Reign” Housely, the Earl of Rainecourt. With divine good looks, delectable charms, and delicious wealth, he would seem to be every marriage-minded mother’s dream match for their daughters. But not so, given the mysterious death of his first wife. Fortunately for Gabriel, he has no plans to seriously court any of the London ladies ever again. That is, until he shares one unforgettable dance with a mysterious stranger…  TO CAPTURE AN ANGEL… Exquisitely beautiful though decidedly modest, Lady Sophia usually shuns the festive ballrooms of London society. But when a man who calls himself “Reign” enters her life—seemingly from out of nowhere—and shows her true kindness, her wary young heart begins to melt. Of course, Sophia would be shocked to learn the truth about Reign’s past. But when scandal strikes, this devilish stranger may be her only salvation…

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

Trying to top ALL NIGHT WITH A ROGUE is quite a challenge. My emotions still get all charged up thinking about that book, and it has been months since I read it. TILL DAWN WITH A DEVIL is a decent follow up, but that unmistakable thrill when two star-crossed lovers collide and create unbelievable fireworks together is missing. Well, not missing...just not quite right.

I love the characters Hawkins creates. Reign is uniquely nasty and lovely as the hero, and his damaged heroine is feisty and angelic, too. Together, though, well, the chemistry isn't combustible. Not that it doesn't get better as the story progresses; it does. I just don't think the characters have the amount of dialog and time together most of Hawkins' romantic couples do. I see the reason for that too, but I apparently need more banter and undeniable attraction to really feel the couple works.

Yes, I still find the Lords of Vice a delicious set of heroes, and you bet I am completely excited to read the next story featuring Dare. I may not be thrilled with TILL DAWN WITH A DEVIL, but I still devoured it in a day.

Shannon Johnson