The Dangers of Deceiving a Viscount
Julia London
Pocket, Nov 2007, $6.99
ISBN: 9781416516170
In 1822, the three Fairchild debutantes (Ava, Phoebe and Greer) became desperate to keep up their social lifestyle amidst the Ton although they are penniless ever since their stepfather stole their fortune. Ava learns THE HAZARDS OF HUNTING A DUKE and Greer THE PERILS OF PURSUING A PRINCE so with her siblings married Phoebe decides to turn to trade, a taboo amidst her peers. She hides behind the persona of Madame Dupree, the creator of gowns that the female aristocracy craves wearing.
Viscount Will Darby hires Madame Dupree to make gowns for his sisters. However, his family treats Phoebe as a lowlife servant; a position she struggles to accept as she is unused to being mistreated. Worse she is attracted to her host and Will reciprocates. As they fall in love, Madame Dupree knows that if Phoebe is exposed the scandal will harm more than just the last Desperate Debutante as her sisters will feel the scorn.
This Regency and its predecessors are terrific historical romances starring likable lead characters. Fans will enjoy the antics of Madame Dupree and the return as support to Phoebe of her sisters. The story line is amusing while once again emphasizing the importance of family. With 1824 being the year of Desperate Debutantes’ babies, perhaps the talented Julia London can provide the audience with early Victorian the next generation saga.
Harriet Klausner
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