A man of passion and strength, Lord William Randall, Duke of Clairemont, had carefully developed his reputation as "Iron Will", notorious for his bouts in the bedroom and in the boxing ring. While he certainly didn't mind indulging in these pastimes, Iron Will mostly appreciated the cover it gave him for his involvement in a unique and elite agency of aristocratic spies working for Lord Carmichael.

Seeking the excitement and camaraderie of being part of the "Young Corinthians" with its feeling of belonging that he never got from his own family, Will didn't want to give up being part of this special club. Even when faced with an assignment that might make him lose his favorite horse, he was still game to take it on. An arch-enemy that he thought was dead and a man of many disguises was assumed to be part of a plot to kidnap England's wealthiest heiress and hold her for ransom so French interests could benefit. Aware of Garenne's cruelty and skill, Will agreed to pretend to be interested in courting Lady Lucinda Grey, so that he could get close enough to protect her.

For her part, Lady Lucinda was not in the least interested in giving up her freedom and found it easy to toss off any male as being unsuitable for her. Under pressure from her best friend, Amelia, now happily in love and wanting the same for her friend, Lucinda reluctantly agreed to consider someone. While Amelia and Lucinda's three aunts had mixed feeling about the notorious Duke of Clairemont counting her, Lucinda was surprised by her own reaction and growing attraction to him. Faced with this unusual situation, how could she get Will to be in love with her?

With tremendous skill and talent, Stefanie Sloane has launched her new career as a Regency Romance writer with this debut trilogy, entitled Regency Rogues. If this new series is as good as this first book, I can predict it will easily become highly addictive with fans craving more. It has all the essential elements that are pertinent to a Regency Romance -- a well constructed plot, strong and likable characters, misunderstandings, sparkling dialogue, and family issues- yet beautifully set with new and intriguing facets. Will and Lucinda are very well matched with her interest in horse breeding and his need to protect. This is one fast paced and suspenseful romance you will not want to miss!

Book Summary

Lord William Randall, the Duke of Clairemont, is a wicked rake with little regard for society—a most unlikely suitor for the prim and proper Lady Lucinda Gray. But his latest assignment for the Young Corinthians, an elite spy organization, involves protecting her from a kidnapping plot and to do this, the notorious “Iron Will” must get close to Lucinda, and convince her that he’s a man worthy of her attention. It is a simple enough task to use his devilish charm to seduce her, but William never would have guessed that he’d become enthralled by the lovely Lady Grey—or that he’d lose his own heart in the bargain.

Beautiful and fiercely intelligent, Lucinda has managed to gracefully sidestep even the most persistent suitors. Until the Duke of Clairemont, that is. His rugged features, sinfully sensuous mouth, and piercing eyes are as alluring as the champion thoroughbred he tantalizingly offers in exchange for the honor of courting her, and she finds it hard to resist either temptation. The feelings he stirs in her both excite and arouse, urging her on despite the very real danger he represents. But when the truth is revealed, will Lucinda risk her heart and her life for a chance at everlasting love?