C2’s review of Taming an Impossible Rogue (Tantalus Club, Book 2) by Suzanne Enoch
Historical Romance published by St. Martin’s 27 Mar 12
When a young lady leaves her fiancé at the altar, there are always consequences, aren’t there? Usually unpleasant ones. But what if the jilted fiancé wants his runaway bride back – but can’t be bothered to try? Interesting things can happen, faithful reader!
Lady Camille Pryce and Stephen Pollard, Marquess of Fenton, were betrothed as children. Their fathers were friends and wanted to unite the families. Camille just couldn’t go through with a marriage to a virtual stranger, so she ran away. When she returns to her parents house later in the day, they tell her she is only welcome if she goes through with the wedding. Her friends are no more welcoming than her family…they do not want to be associated with her. Finally, Camille ends up at the Tantalus Club. (Interested in the background of the Tantalus? Click here!)
Now Camille is a hostess at the club. She works and lives there and seldom leaves the grounds. Camille doesn’t want to encounter people from her former life. Her employers have barred her father and Fenton from the club so she can be as comfortable as possible. Although she misses her old life, Camille has settled into her new one at the Tantalus quite well. She has friends that accept her as she is and isn’t dependent on anyone but herself.
Keating Blackwood is Fenton’s cousin and has been living exiled in the country for several years. Keating killed a nobleman – in self-defense. He’s been having an affair with the dead man’s wife. Moving to his country estate seemed like the best option for Keating after the scandal. Unfortunately, the estate is not in the best shape and between the demands of the estate and some other financial demands, Keating is in money trouble – and Fenton knows it. Fenton makes an offer – if Keating can get his runaway bride back to the altar, Fenton will give him 10,000 pounds…24 hours after the wedding. Keating really needs the money, so he agrees.
From their very first meeting, Keating is honest with Camille – he doesn’t tell her everything immediately b,ut he doesn’t lie to her. And as they slowly get to know each other and begin to trust each other, both Keating and Camille realize they have met the person who would be perfect for them…under different circumstances. Even as Keating arranges short visits between Camille and Fenton – a drive, a picnic (all chaperoned by him and one of her friends from the club), even a visit to her parents’ home – Camille and Keating are increasingly drawn to each other.
But Camille knows why Keating needs the money…is she willing to put his happiness ahead of her own? And will Keating let her marry someone more concerned with his reputation than her feelings? Heh. What do you think, faithful reader?
I always enjoy Ms. Enoch’s voice and this book is no exception – funny but not silly, emotional but not angsty…just all-around good reading. What more can you ask for? Does this book stand alone? Yes, mostly. Reading the first book in the series will give you the background of the club but very little of this story happens in the club. Also, I am looking forward to the next book in the series. The Duke of Greaves intrigues me greatly. 🙂
Grade: B+
Summary:One year ago, Lady Camille Pryce left her haughty fiancé at the altar—for good reason. Not only was the marriage arranged before she could even walk, her betrothed was too smug to exert himself to meet her! Now, disowned, with no husband or family to support her, she’s left with one option: go to work in the notorious Tantalus Club…
A gentleman’s gaming house run by a woman, the Tantalus is no place for a proper lady; so, to save face, her jilted fiancé must retrieve her. But banned from the club, he’s forced to employ his ne’er-do-well cousin instead. A handsome, experienced rogue, Keating Blackwood is the perfect man to lure Camille away. But the moment they meet, Keating instead wants to save her…for himself. Impossible? Perhaps. But if Camille can make the ultimate player lay his cards on the table—and risk his heart—all bets are off…
Read an excerpt.Other books in the series:
