A Duke, the Spy, an Artist, and a Lie

Starred review from February 7, 2022
The marriage of convenience trope gets a fresh spin in Riley’s outstanding final Rogues and Remarkable Women Regency romance (after An Earl, the Girl and a Toddler), which sees a Jamaican heiress marry a British spy to save his life. When widower Lord Felton Lance Gantry is almost captured by guards on his latest mission, Cecilia Thomas swoops in to save him by lying about their acquaintance. Cecilia hopes to avoid the eager suitors who are after her dowry and Gantry to maintain his cover, so the pair agree to a marriage of convenience. Adventurous Cecilia, a painter, expects to find excitement in their union. Instead, Gantry abandons her at his family home. In Gantry’s absence, Cecilia turns to Gantry’s father, Tramel, for comfort, and when Cecilia discovers that her sister, Helena, is in danger, Tramel helps rescue her. Then Helena dies, leaving behind a baby, leading Cecilia to reevaluate her life and seek a divorce. But Gantry won’t concede, and a tantalizing game of cat and mouse ensues as Gantry tries to win Cecilia back. Riley masterfully plays up the will-they-won’t-they between husband and wife as the emotionally charged romance twists to its conclusion. This sends out the series on a high note. Agent: Sarah Younger, NYLA.

February 4, 2022

Riley's "Rogues and Remarkable Women" trilogy (A Duke, the Lady, and a Baby; An Earl, the Girl, and a Toddler) concludes with an estranged married couple going toe-to-toe in Regency England. Beautiful Jamaican heiress Cecelia Thomas can marry any man she chooses, but adventurous spy Lord Gantry is the one she wants. After a quick wedding, Gantry whisks Cecelia to his home in England, where she is disappointed to find her husband constantly being called away to work and less-than-welcoming in-laws. The only thing that helps Cecelia survive is her painting, which Gantry fails to appreciate. When news from her family in Jamaica turns Cecelia's world upside down, she runs away, leaving Gantry to realize he's taken his wife for granted. Readers who appreciate a good grovel will enjoy the second half of the novel as Gantry tries to find his wife, make amends, and woo her back into his arms. VERDICT The trilogy is best read as a whole, as the secret in this last book hinges on a special connection among all the characters. This witty series is ideal for anyone eagerly anticipating the next season of Bridgerton.--Kathryn Howe

Copyright 2022 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

March 15, 2022
Riley's acclaimed Rogues and Remarkable Women Regency series will retain its well-deserved popularity with this tale of Felton Lance, the viscount of Gantry, an English spy whose life is saved in a chance rescue by sought-after, mixed-race heiress Miss Cecilia Thomas, who marries him. The daughter of a wealthy planter, Cecilia is very much in love with her new husband. But, keeping his spying for the crown secret, Felton is often away from home, leaving behind not only Cecilia but also his young daughters by his late wife in a household run by his unpleasant sister. War keeps Cecilia further isolated, but she copes by spending her time painting. Felton's constant travel and secrecy lead to a split after he accuses her of having an affair with his hated father, who is her only friend. Fleeing into a winter storm, Cecilia disappears. Her goal is to return to the West Indies to find her sister, and she faces horrible dangers while Felton searches for her. The period detail is superb, Cecilia and Felton are both strong yet vulnerable characters, and as always Riley's plot raises serious, still relevant issues.

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