"Terrific"
In 1801 Lord Anthony Morehouse wins a curricle race against
Lord Reginald D'Aubney that provides the victor with what
he thought was a piece of furniture. Instead, as all their
peers laugh, Tony learns that "The Ladies Fashionable
Cabinet" is not a bureau or a wardrobe, but instead is a
woman's magazine that he won from a side bet with Victor
Croyden. Unlike Reginald who owns numerous publications, Tony has
never been involved with the printed word. He plans to
sell the magazine as soon as possible. He visits the
office of "The Ladies Fashionable Cabinet" only to find his
childhood rival, Victor's niece, Edwina Parrish as the
editor. Tony still remembers losing every sporting contest
especially races to Edwina, but the one that still smarts
is when she defeated him in a steeplechase race in which
she won the Minerva bust. He offers her a bet that if she
raises the subscriptions to an agreed upon number, she wins
the magazine, but if she fails to achieve the target he
gets back Minerva. Because of the uniqueness of the heroine, readers receive a
fabulous Regency romance that will make Candice Hern a
major force within the sub-genre. The story line is
somewhat light yet provides mini lights on serious issues
of the times. Tony is a hunk who learns that his first
apparent victory is bitter as the stake proves more than he
can afford. ONCE A SCOUNDREL is a terrific historical that
will provide plenty of pleasure to fans. Harriet Klausner
Reviewed by PNR Group Member
Posted July 24, 2003
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