Devilish

Maybe it's not conventional, but both characters are equally strong in character while good, sensitive, and loving people. The plot is vaguely connected to the four previous Malloren series books that came before (My Lady Notorious, Tempting Fortune, Something Wicked, Secrets of the Night) and probably to the two that follow it (Winter Fire & A Most Unsuitable Man). But if you, like me, haven't read any of the others, the book stands alone quite well.

Both characters are intelligent, wealthy, and powerful in their own right. Each has decided that it would be impossible for them to marry and are resolved to remain single. She (Diana) because she inherited her father's title and property and, if she marries, all control passes to her husband. He (Rothgar) because of his mother's insanity and fear of passing it on to his children.

Problem is that they realize that they are perfect for each other and a sensual,sensitive (and believeable) romance evolves. The subplots are interesting and well woven in. The process by which they decide to take a chance on love, life, and each other makes for a fascinating read.

I'm sorry to have the book end. I may go back and try to locate some of the other books in the series. But, this one, is a keeper.

I read through the Malloren stories, really looking forward to Rothgar's story. I loved his character; dark, brooding, rather mysterious and in control. I really wanted him to find a woman worthy of cracking his barriers and reaching his dark passionate nature he kept locked away enough to fight for her. It's not to say I didn't like Diana but her character was written so dominate that it just didn't fit and I felt the story and scenes were written mostly for her. It could have been called "Diana's story, with Rothgar". I was extremely disappointed in how the romance developed. Diana spends more time plotting sex with him than trying to help him solve his problem. Beverly's love scenes are usually so erotic and romantic that when compared to the other stories, these were barely luke warm. This from an author who has been known to write more than one chapter on a love scene; she barely made some last a page. Each scene had the build up potential to titillate but ended up falling short perhaps even rushed. It just left his character incomplete.

There was too much unnecessary history which left me wading through a too much politics and not enough romance. I expected more of Rothgar's thoughts and feelings to surface but was surprised how little his passion was revealed. He never did any chasing. The cumulative ending was not as satisfactory as it might have been and seemed to have been written as though the author didn't know how to bring about his inner war she created and solve it satisfactorily. I won't talk too much about it so I won't spoil the ending for other's that may enjoy it but I thought it was missing a lot and did Rothgar and deep injustice to his character.

All in all, Rothgar's story was so disappointing I give it two stars.

My favorite of all the Malloren books. But then, my other favorites are Winter Fire and its sequel A Most Unsuitable Man. I find most of the Mallorens fAscinating. The period details are educating!

If you love Jo Beverley novels, then you'll definetly love Devilish. The story focuses on the "patriarch" of the family Lord Rothgar. If you've followed the Malloren series from the beginning and haven't read this you have to.