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13 of 15 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Struggle with opium addiction is interesting, but otherwise a tepid end to an exciting series, September 28, 2006
Lord Darius Debenham ("Dare"), the tenth and last member of the Company of Rogues, battles drug addiction and falls in love in this rather lackluster end to a vibrant series. Dare was severely wounded at Waterloo, and afterwards was captured by a French spy who forced him into opium dependency. He was rescued about a year ago and is now physically recovered, but is undergoing an agonizing struggle to free himself from addiction. Once an outgoing and popular young man, there is now a darkness and fragility about him, and his temper is often on edge. He shuns society, not sure if he can hold himself together in public.
Into this half-existence drops the ebullient Lady Mara St. Bride, younger sister of his good friend and fellow rogue, Simon. Dare comes to Mara's rescue one night when she foolishly goes in search of a little fun and almost loses her virtue. Mara decides to rescue Dare in return, whether he wants it or not. She is determined to draw him out of his cloistered existence - and hopefully into her waiting arms.
This story started out well, and the couple was pleasant enough, but it never really took off. There was no buildup to the couple's falling in love, or for that matter much buildup of anything, nor was there anything remarkable to compensate. Mara was likeable, but needed more depth, and Dare should have had more to him considering his eventful past. I liked the opium addict angle and felt this was the most compelling part of the story. Overall, this was a likable couple and an OK read - just not very exciting.
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11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Stunnign Finale to a Fabulous Series, September 25, 2006
Lady Mara St. Bride with the telling hair of the more adventuresome St. Bride's was ripe for an adventure. Sneaking out of the house to experience a gaming hell with an older family acquaintance she never thought to later find herself barefoot, wearing nothing but a chemise, and wrapped in a blanket while running through the streets after escaping unwanted amorous attentions. It was providence that the person who came to her rescue was none other than Lord Darius "Dare" Debenham - bosom friend of her brother Simon and a fellow `rogue'.
After the battle of Waterloo, Dare had been presumed dead. Instead he'd been rescued and kept prisoner of sorts by a bitter enemy of the founder of the `Rogues'. Mortally wounded he was initially given laudanum for the pain but was then given larger amounts than needed for a longer period of time to purposely turn him into an addict. Now two years later Dare, once one of the more carefree and boisterous of fellows, fought a tortuous battle to free himself from the `monster within'. The battle would be laden with many pitfalls, least of all rumors that Dare had cowardly fled the battlefield. As Dare fights his addiction, Mara appoints herself to be the one who brings the `old Dare' back into the light, redemption, and land of the living and loving.
*** Jo Beverley has always written edgy historicals and has concluded her "Company of Rogues" with one of the more powerful and compelling reads in a tremendous finale of this exceptional series. The last unmarried rogue, Dare Debenham's battle to overcome his addiction was extremely well done giving the reader an unforgettable experience of the ravages of addiction and the tortuous journey one needed to free oneself from the beast. Additionally, Mara was developed as an inspiring and outstanding heroine whose strength of purpose and determination in supporting Dare through his addiction and battling for his love made for an unforgettable heroine.
In a masterful stroke Beverley scores a big hit in bringing all the rogues back to rally around one of their own. Additionally, she shores up this impressive story by filling the pages with wonderful secondary characters and some poignantly emotional moments. Suffice it to say, Jo Beverley remains at the top of her game as one of the true Queens of Regency romance with this fabulous Rogue finale.
Marilyn Rondeau, RIO - Reviewers International Organization
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
disagree, March 2, 2007
disagree with most recent reviews. if you want a 'bodice burner' - this book is not for you. it is a very compelling story about overcoming addiction. OK - so the title should indicate that dare rescued himself, and mara should be older than 18, but the rest wil chime a cord with anyone who has tried to overcome addiction (in my case - cigaretts).
KUDOS to jo beverley - this is a great book.
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