Review: The Devil In Disguise

(Regency Rogues #1)
Author: Stefanie Sloane
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Published: May 24, 2011
Genre: Historical Romance
Source: Publisher
Format: Paperback
Pages: 320
Rating: I liked it!

Lord William Randall, the Duke of Clairemont, is a rake with little regard for society—a most unlikely suitor for Lady Lucinda Grey. But his latest assignment for the Young Corinthians, an elite spy organization, involves protecting her from a kidnapping plot. To do this, the notorious “Iron Will” must use his devilish charm to seduce Lucinda and convince her he’s worthy of her attention. William never planned to become enthralled by the lovely Lady Grey—or to lose his own heart in the bargain.

Beautiful and fiercely intelligent, Lucinda has managed to gracefully sidestep even the most persistent suitors. Until the Duke of Clairemont, that is. She’s tempted by his sinfully sensuous mouth and piercing eyes, and finds it hard to resist the champion thoroughbred he offers her in exchange for the honor of courting her. Can she keep him at arm’s length when his touch begs her to let him so much closer?

My Thoughts:
Stefanie Sloane is a debut author and it goes without saying that this is the first book of hers that I have had the pleasure of reading. I was really excited when I got my hands on an ARC through goodreads. I will be honest that the cover reminds me of a Lifetime channel movie but the story line more than makes up for it. It isn't your typical romance novel where there are a ton of steamy sex scenes. Nope, this book has a good story line to back it up with just the right amount of sexual tension between the main characters to keep you interested.

You see, Will is a spy slash playboy who has been assigned to keep Lucinda safe since there is someone out there intent on kidnapping her. She is a highly sought after woman and has no shortage of admirers. Her friend has been setting her up with "dates" in hopes that Lucinda will settle down and marry, which she has no intention of doing. So Will takes this opportunity to court her as a way to be close to her and keep her safe. Now I should also mention that Will was abused as a child and therefor has hardened his heart to the world and doesn't believe in love. So you have two main characters that are skeptical on the concept of love and marriage.

My favorite part of the book is him adjusting to her world. He may be a Duke but he doesn't attend the fancy dinners or balls and he certainly isn't one to court a lady. So it was fun watching him struggle though being polite and acting proper at the dinners and parties that they attended. I really liked the slow change from being a "rake" and not caring what anyone thought to trying to please Lucinda and in the process viewing Lucinda in a new light.

My favorite quote from the book is:
"Of course I want to bed her. A man would have to be dead and buried not to. No, I want to talk to her. I like talking to her. Dammit, the bedding part is natural. Wanting to spend time with her outside the bedchamber is not." - Will