Wendy the Super Librarian‘s review of Libertine Lord, Pickpocket Miss by Bronwyn Scott
Historical romance eBook released by Harlequin Historical Undone 1 Nov 08

One of the more recent authors to join the Harlequin Historical universe is Bronwyn Scott; who gives readers a spicy Regency era story of spying and thievery for her first story for the new Harlequin Historical Undone line.

Julian Burke is in Vienna to recover a diamond necklace that was stolen from the English crown years ago. While ferreting out the information he needs, he spends his time making a name for himself in ballrooms and drawing rooms by bedding every willing aristocratic woman who bats her eyes at him. He finds European women so refreshing. They know the game, the dance, and there are no bothersome tears when the affair runs its natural course.

However he’s done for the minute he spies Miss Sophie DuPlessy. She’s, simply put, a breathtakingly beautiful woman, with brains and wit to match. He intends to only use her as a distraction before he steals back the necklace, but imagine his surprise when he discovers the lady has her own motives and she too, is after the necklace. A battle of wills and wits is most certainly in the cards.

For readers who love snappy dialogue and bantering couples, this is the story you. Scott excels during the verbal sparring scenes between Sophie and Julian, both of whom are charming, intelligent, and not above using their wiles to get what they want. Naturally they cannot both have the necklace, and by the end, it’s up to Julian to save Sophie, who finds herself in a spot of trouble.

While a quick, engaging read, with sparkling dialogue and plenty of chemistry, I did feel the author rushed through her ending a bit. The last ten pages are positively frantic, with the reader running along just to keep up. That being said, the author ties it all up quite well, and readers have an upcoming sequel to look forward to. The Viscount Claims His Bride, featuring Julian’s friend, Viscount St. Just, is due out in January 2009.

Grade: B-

Summary:

Julian Burke’s reputation as a libertine was famous throughout Vienna. Few people know his debauchery is merely a pleasant way to mask his true mission: to recover jewels stolen from the British monarchy by a French comte. When he spots Sophie DuPlessy at the comte’s party, he thinks the vivacious beauty is just another debutante who can help his charade. But Julian soon learns Sophie is no innocent young miss – she’s a passionate, daring woman who challenges and arouses him like nobody else. A woman playing a dangerous game of her own…