IN PURSUIT OF A SCANDALOUS LADY

Author: Gayle Callen ISBN: 9780061783418 5/2010 HISTORICAL Publisher: AVON
Time Period: 1846

The biggest secret in London is about to be ... revealed. Every gentleman is wondering: Who is the beauty in the scandalous nude portrait hanging in one of London's most fashionable clubs? Is it true that she's a member of the ton? Who would be so daring, so reckless? Julian Delane, Earl of Parkhurst, has a good idea. So good, in fact, that he's willing to make a wager on it. If only the bet were all that's at stake . . . Determined to clear the family name from a scandal that claimed his father's life, Julian believes the ravishing model will lead him to answers. Rebecca Leland—spirited, adventurous, with a bit of a wild streak—is just as determined to evade his questions. But when Julian finally corners his quarry, he may find Rebecca well worth the pursuit.

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

Nineteenth-century London comes alive in Gayle Callen's IN PURSUIT OF A SCANDALOUS LADY. This story is filled with surprises, the first of which is the identity of the "scandalous lady." I was intrigued from start to finish, and I believe others will be, as well.

When Julian, an earl with a grudge, was first introduced, I must admit I did not care for him. He seemed so filled with the desire for revenge and so cold-hearted that he was hardly one of those warm and fuzzy type heroes. He and his friends stand before a painting of a reclining woman whose face is hidden, while the rest of her assets are on display. Julian notices the female form, of course, but has more of an eye for the piece of jewelry she wears. Around the woman's neck is a necklace that has brought his family heartache; it is one he has recently seen gracing the neck of a pretty woman at a social event. When the friends retire to gamble and drink, they are surprised to hear footsteps near the painting. Upon investigation, they find three pretty women who are about to steal the painting. A wager is entered into, and although Julian believes he knows which of the three ladies has posed for the painting, he has steeliness in his heart that spurs him on. For him, the wager is more than a farce. He wants to exact revenge for his father's death—at all costs.

The characters in this story come to life so fully, the reader can almost hear them talking! Rebecca is likeable from the beginning, so spunky and strong-minded that I couldn't help but hope she found success. As I said, Julian made a less-than-favorable first impression, but I quickly changed my opinion of the man. By the end, when the truth about the scandal is unraveled and he has a choice to either save those affected by it or make them pay for what was not necessarily their fault, I loved him. He treated everyone fairly, making him admirable. Even though Julian was used to manipulating those around him, he could not do so with Rebecca. I thought it was great that he finally met his match!

Ms. Callen's concentration on the details of the time adds an extra dimension to the tale. There is a point where modern conveniences are nowhere to be found, so this unlikely couple does what they need to do to survive the night. He hauls firewood, while she washes their clothes in a river. I am just so glad they weren't rescued from reality by a coach, footmen, and ever-ready maids!

All in all, IN PURSUIT OF A SCANDALOUS LADY is a pleasure!

Kay James