From Publishers Weekly
A sequel to Becnel's The Matchmaker, this serviceable Regency-era romance offers up a charming heroine and a hero who's not as self-sufficient as he'd like to be. Sarah Palmer is the novel's troublemaker, but she doesn't really make trouble; trouble finds her. Having been packed off to Scotland after nearly eloping with a fortune-hunter, Sarah is determined to prove that she's changed. But no sooner does she arrive in sleepy Kelso than she meets handsome American Marshall MacDougal. Years ago, Marsh's mother emigrated to America to await his father, who never showed. Marsh is now searching for his birthright, and he finds Sarah and her family squarely in his way. Although sparks fly between the two, Sarah's determination to handle this problem herself complicates matters. Becnel's books are generally darker than the typical Regency fare this one revolves around questions of legitimacy but the novel's serious underpinnings provide grounding for Sarah's flighty nature. As the hero, Marsh is also flawed. His (admittedly justified) bitterness grows old quickly, and the negative feelings that simmer between Sarah and Marsh at times overwhelm their budding affection for each other. Still, the story is warm and well paced and will likely please new readers and longtime fans alike. Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.


Review
"Rexanne Becnel is a marvelous storyteller."--Romantic Times

"Becnel creates the most intriguing characters and infuses them with fiery personalities and quick minds."--The Literary Times



Book Description
Sarah Palmer, a reckless beauty with a penchant for trouble, has enraged her family for the last time with her foiled plan to elope with a fortune hunter. Sent to stay with her married half-sister in the Scottish countryside, Sarah arrives there only to learn that her sister has gone away to Glasgow. With no one to chaperone her, she is immensely relieved at her newfound freedom and vows to redeem herself in the eyes of her family by behaving for once. But she hasn't reckoned on Marshall MacDougal, the most irresistible and troublesome man she has ever met...

An American surrounded in mystery, Marshall MacDougal has come to Scotland searching for justice--and vengeance. He is captivated by Sarah and she by him, though she tried to resist. But then Sarah discovers that her own mother and half-sister are the target's of Marsh's vengeance. Old secrets, new scandals, and hocking revelations turn seduction into a devious game, where passion has a price...



About the Author
REXANNE BECNEL is the critically acclaimed author of fifteen previous novels. She lives and works in New Orleans, a city that never fails to inspire and comfort her.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Troublemaker: one who makes mischief, who torments;
a malcontent; a provoker; a firebrand.
Someone to avoid at all costs.

A WOMAN RUNNING FROM TROUBLE
Sarah Palmer, a reckless beauty with a penchant for trouble, has enraged her family for the last time with her foiled plan to elope with a fortune hunter. Sent to stay with her married half-sister in the Scottish countryside, Sarah arrives there only to learn that her sister has gone away to Glasgow. With no one to chaperone her, she is immensely relieved at her newfound freedom and vows to redeem herself in the eyes of her family by behaving for once. But she hasn't reckoned on Marshall MacDougal, the most irresistible and troublesome man she has ever met...

A MAN LOOKING FOR TROUBLE
An American surrounded in mystery, Marshall MacDougal has come to Scotland searching for justice-and vengeance. He is captivated with Sarah and she with him, though she tries to resist. But then Sarah discovers that her own mother and half-sister are the targets of Marsh's vengeance. Old secrets, new scandals, and shocking revelations turn seduction into a devious game, where passion has a price, especially when a pair of troublemakers dares to break all the rules of love...

Author Biography: Rexanne Becnel is the critically acclaimed author of fifteen previous novels. She lives and works in New Orleans, a city that never fails to inspire and comfort her.

FROM THE CRITICS

Publishers Weekly