Dangerous to Love [Mass Market Paperback]

Elizabeth Thornton (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 1994

Dangerous. Wild. Reckless.

Those were the words that passed through Serna Ward’s mind at the moment Julian Raynor entered the gaming Hall. If anyone could penetrate Serena’s disguise as a tart–and jeopardize the political fugitives she was delivering to freedom–it would surely be London’s most notorious gamester. Yet when the militia storms the establishment in search of traitors, Raynor provides just the pretext Serna needs to escape to an upstairs bedroom. But Serena is playing with fire...and before the night is through she will find herself surrendering to the heat of unsuspected desires.

Seductive. Fiery. Treacherous.

She had used him for her own scheming purposes, then thrown his generous proposition back in his face. Julian Raynor, a man who had ruthlessly enjoyed his share of women, did not much care to have the tables turned on him. And when he discovered that the passionate beauty who had played his wonton prisoner in bed was none other than Serena Ward, the proud daughter of his bitterest enemy, he saw his chance for revenge–not only on the man who had single-handedly destroyed his family but on the woman who haunted his dreams.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

When London aristocrat Serena Ward disguises herself as an actress for the Jacobite cause, she does not count on attracting the amorous attention of Julian Raynor, owner of a popular gaming club--and die-hard anti-Jacobite. Their first encounter is a study in mistaken identity and sensuality that results in Serena's downfall. Julian, who blames Serena's father for his family's misfortunes, plans to exact revenge by marrying Serena. Tricked into marriage, Serena finds it difficult to maintain her icy reserve toward Julian, and the attraction she feels for him soon turns to love. In the age-old tradition of love never running smoothly, behind the scenes machinations and treachery ensure that the lovers have much to conquer before they can attain happiness. Thornton, author of six previous historicals, delivers unique plot twists and sharply drawn characters. She uses enforced separation, a genre taboo, to her advantage as she develops conflict. Her knowledge of the Georgian era is evident and lends period flavor to this satisfying read.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

When Jacobite sympathizer Serena Ward is mistaken for a common prostitute by the notorious rake Julian Raynor, a surprise raid of the Thatched Tavern by the militia sends her straight to his bed-and into his life. Thornton's (Velvet Is the Night, Windsor, 1992) novel of deception, intrigue, and revenge, set during the turbulent period following the Battle of Culloden, is historically interesting and technically well written, but the characters lack motivation and the pacing lags.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 464 pages
• Publisher: Bantam (June 1, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 055356787X
• ISBN-13: 978-0553567878
• Product Dimensions: 4.2 x 1.2 x 6.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,178,959 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Intrigue, suspense and an incredible romantic story!!, September 21, 2004

By 

J. Brennan (Pittsburgh) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Dangerous to Love (Mass Market Paperback)

This was my first Thornton book but it will not be my last. The characters of Julian and Serena were well developed and thouroghly captivating. Because this book was a little longer than most it allowed one to really really get involved in a complicated story with lots of mystery included in the romance. Julian and Serena had tremendous chemisty - you felt it from the first but they both had such distrust of one another. Thank goodness for Flynn - without him I fear they may never have made it in the end. I love books that have a little suspense with the romance and if you do too - you will love this book. I look forward to many more of Thornton's!!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Not quite 5, but better than 4 stars, April 4, 2004

By 

S. Reader "scibarfan" (Franklin, TN) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Dangerous to Love (Mass Market Paperback)

A sexy, romantic story full of twists and turns, intrigue, suspicions, and misunderstandings -- but in the end, love, freedom, and fulfillment.

Although Serena is a little spoiled, her heart's in the right place; she definitely needs someone like Julian to hold the reins. Julian learns that there's more to live than revenge, even regarding his enemy's daughter. Neither character is perfectly likeable, but that seems to make them more human. It does get frustrating sometimes to see how little they trust each other (repeatedly), but trust takes time, especially in their circumstances. In the end, they both learn and grow--as individuals and in love.

It's a very long book, which is quite nice when one reads as quickly as I do. I think it's one of Thornton's best; it's different from some of her other better novels, but definitely worth reading.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Deliciously Dangerous, December 29, 2002

By 

M. Rondeau (West Springfield, MA United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Dangerous to Love (Mass Market Paperback)

Serena Ward had embarked on a dangerous course as she sat disguised as an actress waiting to smuggle a passenger out of England in her support of the Jacobite cause. Unfortunately for her, she attracted the amorous attention of Julian Raynor, owner of a popular gaming club - and die-hard anti-Jacobite. As the militia bore down on Serena and her accomplice, Julian bore down on her. Choosing the lesser of two evils she agrees to accompany Julian in order to give herself time to escape the militia. When Serena tries to explain to Julian that she is really a high-born `lady' he cuts off her explanations with kisses and much to Serena's dismay - she responds - wholeheartedly! The morning after - her maidenhead gone - Julian is happy that he was her first and offers her carte blanche as his mistress. Highly insulted and ashamed she tells him who she is and Julian finds out that she is none other than the daughter of the man Julian blames for his family's misfortunes. He plans to exact revenge by marrying Serena. Tricked into marriage, Serena finds it difficult to maintain her icy reserve toward Julian, and the attraction she feels for him.

One thing leads to another and behind the scenes forces add fuel to the fires that make these two star-crossed lovers not trust the love they have for one another, as from the beginning, events happen that have both Julian and Serena feeling betrayed by each other. Forces and conspiracies, beyond their control that neither knows about continue to wreak havoc with any chance of reconciliation. That they are indeed meant for one another - even if it is `dangerous love' adds much fuel to the flames of love.

This is again, one of the amazingly fast-paced, edge of your seat, and outstandingly sensuous stories I have come to expect from this author. Her main characters and the numerous secondary characters are so well defined that they make this story come alive. The very passionate and highly charged sexual encounters will make your toes curl - very hot! The historical background of England 1747 in this highly charged period lends substance and excitement to another triumph for this historical romance author! Outstanding book and one I highly recommend!