Setting: Georgian London, 1763
Sensuality Rating: 7

In this continuation of the Malloren saga, Jo Beverley concocts a spicy recipe with two characters who have sworn never to marry. Diana Westmount, Countess of Arradale, refuses to take a meddling husband and lose control of her fortune, her lands, and her life. Bey Malloren, the Marquess of Rothgar, carries a terrible family secret, one that prevents him from ever producing an heir. Thrown together when the king demands Rothgar escort Diana to court, however, the explosive chemistry between them melts their resolve to remain uninvolved. Unable to resist temptation, Bey and Diana's passion threatens their freedom, their very sanity. Coupled with the intricate machinations of George III's court, Bey and Diana must protect each other from themselves and their burgeoning obsession. The New York Times bestselling author Jo Beverley creates a fascinating tale of vivid historical detail and stunning sensuality. Readers cannot help but feel the lovers' internal struggles between freedom and happiness. A sure-fire hit! --Alison Trinkle

From Publishers Weekly
Beverley (Secrets of the Night) will delight readers with the fifth installment in her series of historical romance novels centered around the Mallorens, a dashing, aristocratic English family. Bey Malloren, the Marquess of Rothgar (who was introduced previously in the series), finds his match in the forward-thinking, sharpshooting Diana Westmount, Countess of Arradale. The wealthy heroine has voluntarily relinquished a future as wife and mother in order to keep control of her money and fully realize her power and rank in 18th-century Yorkshire. When King George III learns of her desire to take a seat in Parliament, he orders her to London with the intention of forcing her into wedlock with an appropriate suitor. Diana finds a traveling companion and unlikely ally in the powerful "Dark Marquess," and her resolve against family life falters. Though Rothgar is mightily attracted to Diana, he has sworn off marriage for fear of passing the curse of his mother's murderous insanity to his own children. The romantic tug-of-war is set against a lively backdrop of international intrigue, although an assassination subplot plays out unevenly. The love story fails to burn bright with emotion, but the intelligence and large-scale appeal of Beverley's characters ensure a satisfying escape. Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal
At long last Beverley has written the novel that lovers of her dark and bawdy "Malloren Chronicles" have been waiting for--the story of the powerful and enigmatic Marquess of Rothgar and Diana Westmount, the independent and dangerous Countess of Arradale, who finally captures his heart and teaches him to love. From the bloody duel in the opening scene to the gentle, satisfying charm of the final chapter, Beverley beautifully captures the flavor of Georgian England with her accustomed accuracy and flair; combined with a compelling writing style and strong, well-defined characters, her fast-paced, violent, and exquisitely sensual story is one that readers won't soon forget. Beverley, a best-selling romance writer and member of the Romance Writers of America Hall of Fame, lives in Canada. Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Subversion
In Devilish, the final book in her series about the powerful Malloren family, Jo Beverley fulfills a promise she made to her readers Rothgars story. She also accomplishes the nearly impossible: Devilish fulfills the romantic fantasies of readers old and new... The Georgian setting of the novel provides a sophisticated, adult setting for the intrigues and puzzles of the story. But while plots are afoot, the characters of Rothgar and Diana occupy center stage. Clever, funny dialogue fills the pages even as Beverley offers a plot filled with danger. Characters from previous books in the series make guest appearances as Rothgars siblings engage in the delight of helping orchestrate their brothers downfall. Jo Beverley gives her readers everything they wanted and more as she delivers one of the most satisfyingly romantic stories in years.

Book Description
At last--the book Jo Beverley fans have been waiting for! Here is the untold story of the most mysterious and seductive character in her bestselling series--the Marquess of Rothgar....

Praise for the Malloren novels...

"Wickedly, wonderfully sensual and gloriously romantic."--Mary Balogh

"[A] delicious...sensual delight."--Teresa Medeiros

"A poignant tale of forbidden love."--Romantic Times

"Hooks readers from start to finish."--Harriet Klausner

"Superb....Truly enjoyable."--Old Book Barn Gazette

"Electrifying...filled with humor, suspense, love, passion, and much more."--Gothic Journal

"Intrigue, suspense, and passion fill the pages of this high powered, explosive drama."--Rendezvous

FROM THE PUBLISHER

At last—the book Jo Beverley fans have been waiting for! Here is the untold story of the most mysterious and seductive character in her bestselling series—the Marquess of Rothgar....

Praise for the Malloren novels...

"Wickedly, wonderfully sensual and gloriously romantic."—Mary Balogh

"[A] delicious...sensual delight."—Teresa Medeiros

"A poignant tale of forbidden love."—Romantic Times

"Hooks readers from start to finish."—Harriet Klausner

"Superb....Truly enjoyable."—Old Book Barn Gazette

"Electrifying...filled with humor, suspense, love, passion, and much more."—Gothic Journal

"Intrigue, suspense, and passion fill the pages of this high powered, explosive drama."—Rendezvous

FROM THE CRITICS

Joan Hammond - Romantic Times

Devilish, a spin-off of Secrets of the Night, is the long-awaited story of Rothgar. Well-plotted, Devilish is a page turner. Ms. Beverly writes a breathtaking and powerful love story. Rothgar and Diana are a perfect match and the story is one you'll cherish.

Publishers Weekly

Beverley (Secrets of the Night) will delight readers with the fifth installment in her series of historical romance novels centered around the Mallorens, a dashing, aristocratic English family. Bey Malloren, the Marquess of Rothgar (who was introduced previously in the series), finds his match in the forward-thinking, sharpshooting Diana Westmount, Countess of Arradale. The wealthy heroine has voluntarily relinquished a future as wife and mother in order to keep control of her money and fully realize her power and rank in 18th-century Yorkshire. When King George III learns of her desire to take a seat in Parliament, he orders her to London with the intention of forcing her into wedlock with an appropriate suitor. Diana finds a traveling companion and unlikely ally in the powerful "Dark Marquess," and her resolve against family life falters. Though Rothgar is mightily attracted to Diana, he has sworn off marriage for fear of passing the curse of his mother's murderous insanity to his own children. The romantic tug-of-war is set against a lively backdrop of international intrigue, although an assassination subplot plays out unevenly. The love story fails to burn bright with emotion, but the intelligence and large-scale appeal of Beverley's characters ensure a satisfying escape. (Apr.) Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.|

Library Journal