Mary Spencer reintroduces likable characters from her previous book, Dark Wager, and explores London's unsavory underworld in this Regency historical that's more notable for its original characterizations than its sensual lovemaking. Plainspoken Gwendolyn Wells, raised in Boston but connected to the ton, knows on sight that Jack Sommerton, Earl of Rexley, is destined to be her husband. Convincing Jack, however, isn't so easy. Jack, who has reason to believe he's illegitimate, spends his nights searching London's most notorious neighborhoods for proof of his birth, and ferreting out evildoers who profit from the most heartless crimes. When Gwendolyn ventures into those depraved dens after him, and engages in a risky scheme to help bring a villain to justice, Jack is kept busy protecting her reputation... and resisting the idea that life without Gwen would be intolerable. An amusing secondary romance between a clumsy lord and his long-suffering fiance provides a refreshing diversion. Spencer creates an authentic and appealing Regency world on a broader-than-usual canvas, and hints at more related books to come. --Ellen Edwards