Regency romances are fun to read. I have read some with really good plots like The Secret Life of Anna Marsh. Alliteration seems to be in the air since What A Reckless Rogue Needs is part of the Sinful Scoundrels series. Colin, the Earl of Ravenshire is portrayed as a rogue but he doesn’t raise much hell in the book.
Colin lost his mother when he was six and he has been sort of estranged from his father ever since he remarried. He hardly ever visits home. He spends time in London chasing light skirts, engaging in pursuits of the idle and genteel. Colin is shocked into action when he learns that Sommerall, a small estate owned by his family is to be sold. He has fond memories of the place and assumed it would come to him. Above all, his mother is buried there, so someone else owning it is incomprehensible. Colin rushes home to find a full house with a house party formed of the Duke of Wycoff and family, and the lovely Lady Angeline.
Colin and Angeline have a history. They grew up as friends but had a falling out when they were young. Now they are both thirty one and single and match making is in the air. Lady Angeline has been disgraced by a broken engagement and is melancholy. Colin tries to fight tooth and nail with his father to stop him from selling Sommerall. He is given an ultimatum – marry within 3 months, which later becomes six weeks. Angeline is an interior decorator and knows a lot about refurbishing. She agrees to survey the old home and find out what work is needed.
Colin’s twin sisters provide some comic relief. The whole supporting cast of friendly step mother, indignant father, naughty twins, and gloomy house guests provides some anecdotes through the book. But let us not forget, Colin cannot let Sommerall be sold because his mother lies there. Predictably enough, Colin and Angeline come together and share their grief, she at being taken in by a scoundrel, and he at the prospect of losing the place where his mother lies. Heat emanates from more places than the fireplace. They kiss and makeup, then stray away, then again come together, and the dance goes on.
Is Colin able to save Sommerall where his mother his buried? You will have to read What A Reckless Rogue Needs to find out.
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