Saturday, July 17, 2010

Last Night's Scandal-Loretta Chase

Last Night's Scandal
Loretta Chase
Avon, Jul 27 2010, $7.99
ISBN: 9780061632679

1831 London, Earl Peregrine Dalmay has just returned from Egypt, but plans to go back as soon as he can make arrangements. While oversea for several years he and Olivia Wingate-Carsington became pen pals. In her writings, she made it clear that her blood lines mean trouble as they are filled with con artists, including her.

His parents ask Peregrine to manage the restoration of Gorewood castle, which is falling apart in Scotland. He says no, but ends up heading to the Scottish family property with Olivia cleverly manipulating her way onto his retinue chasing after a last adventure before respectability bites her. Nothing goes right for Peregrine at the construction sight as apparently ghosts harass him, a murder may have occurred, and Olivia haunts him. However, the Egyptologist and the con artist are not as fazed by family, homicide, spirits and other intruders as they are frightened by love.

This is a terrific jocular historical romance that will hook the audience from the opening act of his parents as drama queens driving him to Scotland for some relief and never takes a breather until the final con occurs. Fast-paced, fans will enjoy the amusing story line as Peregrine and Olivia fall in love, but must deal with family and ghosts before they can decide how to deal with each other.

Harriet Klausner

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