Known as the Gypsy Earl, Ivan Thornton was renounced by his family as a child because of his Gypsy mother. Now an entitled nobleman, Ivan wants to punish the family who did so much to hurt him as a young man. But his grandmother may be more clever than he is: she wants an heir and she knows that her rake grandson won't fall in love with just anyone. And he certainly won't marry--just to spite her. Ivan's mastermind grandmother finds Lucy Drysdale for her grandson. Lucy is a bluestocking, an intelligent and passionate woman who proves to be just the match for the Earl who will not bend for love.


From Literary Times
Ivan Thornton was torn from his Gypsy family at a young age and thrown into Burford Hall, better known as Bastard Hall, and subjected to brutal training. Ivan makes it his life's mission to make his grandmother, and bane of his existence, miserable in revenge. He gains the power to do this effectively when his father, who never acknowledged his birth, dies, leaving him an Earldom. Ivan quickly becomes notorious for his wild rakehell ways, as well as for his three equally illegitimate best friends. His carousing days come to a screeching halt soon after he meets his young cousin's companion, Lady Lucy Drysdale. Already considered firmly on the shelf in her mid-twenties, Lucy is relegated to the country to help care for her older brother's children. But Lucy longs for the day when she can escape the country and get out from under her brother's thumb. Her opportunity comes when Ivan Thornton's grandmother offers her employment as companion to her goddaughter during the London season. Lucy leaps at the chance, unknowing that she is being manipulated into piquing Ivan's interest. The plucky heroine in this story is intelligently written, however, the hero left me somewhat irritated as he seemed unable to pick up and move on from his, granted, horrible childhood. I wanted to kick Ivan in the pants a couple of times to get him past the poor old me, I'm different stage of thinking. But, I really enjoyed the scenes where Lucy put Ivan in his place. Ms. Becnel's writing style flowed smoothly and she easily captures the reader's interest. This was an entertaining read overall.Ms. Becnel brings to life all the fire and passion of a gypsy's soul in this story! A witty, insightful look into the rules and manners of society! Ms. Becnel creates the most intriguing characters and infuses them with fiery personalities and quick minds!Gloria Lower -- Copyright © 1994-97 Literary Times, Inc. All rights reserved


Review
"Rexanne Becnel combines heartfelt emotions with a romance that touches readers with the magic and joy of falling in love...A star of the genre!"--Romantic Times



Book Description
Spirited scholar Lucy Drysdale has long dreamed of London-- the stimulating lectures, the intellectual banter. But first she much chaperone Lade Valerie, a tender young girl embarking on her first social season.

Before Lucy can guide Valerie through her first society crush, they are swept into the world of the Earl of Westcott, London's most notorious rakehell.

Ivan Thornton, the gypsy Earl, gained his title only because his father had no legitimate heir. Bitter over the cruelties society heaped on him when he was just a boy, Ivan takes sweet revenge-- he breaks the hearts of young society women.

For Ivan, the two women are easy prey for his game of deceit-- until Lucy's passionate touch ignites a desire that sears his soul. And Lucy finds, in protecting Valerie from the charismatic Earl, that she has left her own heart dangerously vulnerable...



About the Author
Critically acclaimed romance author Rexanne Becnel has written ten previous novels, including The Maiden Bride, Heart of the Storm, and A Dove at Midnight. Ms. Becnel is a multi-award winner-- her work My Gallant Enemy won the 1991 Waldenbooks First Time Romance Author and the Romantic Times Award for Best Medieval Romance by a New Author. She lives in New Orleans with her family.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Ivan Thornton, the gypsy Earl, gained his title only because his father had no legitimate heir. Bitter over the societal cruelties of his childhood, he takes his revenge on the hearts of young society women. As the London season begins, Ivan sees two women ripe for his deceit--until one of them, the spirited scholar Lucy Drysdale, captures his heart . And while trying to protect her young charge from the earl's lecherous ways, Lucy finds herself in need of protection--from the feelings unleashed in her heart.

SYNOPSIS