Marcus MacInnes, the Earl of Weston, liked being in London and fitting into the action. He reveled in the camaraderie of being a member of "The Young Corinthians," a secret spy group of titled gentlemen willing to put their life on the line for the Crown. Being put in the line of fire, not a problem, but the nerve of Lord Carmichael to send him to his own property in rural Lulworth to investigate suspicions of smuggling there! As if!

Marcus' father was a Scottish lord and his mother a lovely English lady from Lulworth and so had titles in both countries. Despite that wealth, Marcus' childhood was lonely as he felt he had to hide his Scottish burr from the unfriendly English, and he was never fully accepted as being an insider in Scotland. With a sense of being unwelcome in both, he chose to rarely visit either place.

Still chaffing from Carmichael's decision, Weston went for a walk and came upon the most unlikely scene. Enchanted by seeing a lovely auburn-haired sprite emerge from the castle's lake, he failed to notice a massive dog bound his way until he was toppled over. With that, he was most properly introduced to the enchanting Sarah Elizabeth Tisdale and her younger brother, Nigel. With Nigel's charming truth, Marcus found out he was called "The Errant Earl" and knew that he would still face the hostility he experienced as a youth. As time when on and Marcus started to learn more about the town and its people, he knew he would have to make a change or he would not get the support and the information he needed. Intent on solving a mystery, Marcus almost didn't realize how much his heart had been kidnapped until the mission turned deadly dangerous. Can he save her?

With this second book in her Regency Rogues trilogy, Stephanie Sloane definitely has a winning book and series on her hands! Sarah is totally delightful and so true to her intelligent and extroverted self and her love of animals. Like Marcus, you can't help but be charmed by her endearing mixing of proprieties in some very unusual and improper circumstances and how she helps him find a path to connect him back to his people. I also loved twelve-year-old Nigel and his outspoken wit. I was glad that Sloane had so skillfully developed his character and given him a strong role in the story. The secondary characters of the rest of the Tisdale family and friends are also quite well done and who can't help but smile at her dad as he broadly boasts and winks about having the choicest brandy in all of England. With the witty dialogue and the action moving so quickly, I just couldn't put this book down and read it late well into the night. I am sure you will relish it as well! A wonderful treat of mystery, romance, and adventure! Don't miss it!

Book Summary

Injured in the line of duty, Young Corinthian agent Marcus MacInnes, the Earl of Weston, travels to his country estate to recover—or so he believes. His superior’s request that he investigate a smuggling ring run by Napoleon sympathizers seems ridiculous at first, but then becomes all-too threatening as pieces of a treacherous puzzle begin to fall into place. And the most troubling piece of all is Miss Sarah Tisdale, an unconventional beauty whose lust for life is rivaled only by her ability to drive Marcus to distraction. When her family comes under suspicion, Marcus must watch her very, very closely…even if her touch ignites the deep, fiery desire burning just beneath his cool façade.

When it comes to suitors, Sarah’s lush curves and perfectly kissable lips aren’t enough to compensate for her outspoken and willful nature. Sarah’s tasted disappointment before, and she long ago decided that she’s better off without an overbearing husband. Still, flirting with the sinfully handsome Marcus is a pastime worth savoring—even when it leads to wicked pleasures. But when Sarah’s life is in jeopardy, Marcus discovers that the fire between them can no longer be denied—and that he’ll do anything to keep her in his arms.