Book Review: The Beautiful Stranger

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

The Beautiful Stranger     Amazon US PB Amazon Canada PB
Julia London
Class/Genre:   Romance   Historical
Series: Rogues of Regent Street # 3
Dell, July 2001, $5.99, 384 pp.

In 1834, one of the four Rogues of Regent St. Phillip Rothembow forces a duel with his friend Adrian Spence and dies. The three survivors, Adrian, Arthur Christian, and Julian Dare all take it badly and three years later still grieve Phillip’s actions.

In 1837, Phillip’s dad angrily confronts Arthur over a legal document that shows the deceased bought worthless Scottish property that has taxes in arrears. Rothembow obtains a vow from Arthur to fix it. Still feeling guilty and needing to escape his sister-in-law’s matchmaking efforts, Arthur travels to Edinburgh to evict the current tenant, Mr. Fraser.

Fraser is dead, but his wife Kerry McKinnon receives the eviction notice. Apparently her late spouse owes taxes and money on a loan. Kerry visits Lord Montcrieffe who offers his dimwitted son in marriage in order to pay the debt. Kerry refuses but while waiting for the public carriage meets Arthur. Thinking he is a highwayman, she shoots him. Now their story really begins.

THE BEAUTIFUL STRANGER is an exciting conclusion to the Rogues of Regent St. trilogy.(see THE DANGEROUS GENTLEMAN and THE RUTHLESS CHARMER). The story line is loaded with action and romance as the charming lead couple struggles with their feelings for one another. The support cast including the return of stars and secondary players from the previous tales brings to life the era as well as adding depth to Kerry and Arthur. Julia London has written a powerful final act to a strong miniseries and, in doing so, demonstrates why historical romances are so much fun to read.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner