This 4th book in the Devilish Debutantes series was difficult to write a review on. There was so much happening, and there were 30 chapters in which all this information was contained, that it was almost too much information for one book. It was almost as if there were two or three books compiled in the one. However, what was actually occurring is that the author was recapping the 4 previous books (yes, this was book 4, but there was book 3.5 before this, so it could easily have been made book 5 instead) before getting to the point of this plot. Most of it was unnecessary, in my honest opinion.
Once again, the characters were all well-rounded and most, if not all, from the previous books, made an appearance in this one. The author did well when she created the friendships that lasted from book to book.
Justin White, the main male character, was a vicar turned earl with high morals. But even with those morals and his past position in the church, even he admitted to being just a man. He was a well-liked member of the ton and the Prescott family.
Rhoda, a miss just shy of a Lady (not the capital letter. She was definitely a lady in all sense except for the title), had secrets that were tearing her apart inside, some of which the men of the ton were using against her and ruining her reputation.
There was plenty of chemistry between the two main characters, and a smoldering passion kept on a tight leash. The drama, angst, humor, and intrigue were all running on full steam. All of this wrapped together in a sizzling plot.
Once again, I have to say, Lord Blakely was not an Earl. Since his father was a Duke, that made Blakely a Marquis. That would be one of my biggest pet peeves about authors of historical romance books...or any historical book. If they are going to write about it, they need to get it right.
The ending was superb. Just the right amount of intrigue, drama, angst, passion...and let's never forget the humor. This book definitely earned its place among the other Keeper for the Shelves books.