The only reason this book is not a five star is the fact that I didn't like the girl. She doesn't go with Roland at all. Other than that though, a great read. I really enjoyed it. Roland Otton (or Matheison) is a very interesting character: an amazingly gorgeous (epitome of tall, dark, and handsome)cutthroat bounty hunter after the Jacobite Treasure. One thing I love about this guy is the fact that he makes no bones about the fact that he is a villain. He admits it. Explanation below: *POSSIBLE SPOILERS* (skip if you haven't read the series up to this point and want to. I highly suggest that you do. This story will make a whole lot more sense if you read the others first. If you don't want to, you can read this and it will give you some insight into this complicated character.)Book 1. Practice to Decieve: A literally DROP-DEAD gorgeous Captain Roland Otton helps torture and hunt the hero of the story to gain access to the treasure and makes unwelcome advances on the girl. Despicable.Book 2. Journey to Enchantment: Still after the treasure and remains despicable except for the fact that he didn't rat out the hero and shows a love for his horse, Rumplestilskin.Book 3. The Tyrant: Shows up as a close friend to the hero. Say WHAT?! It makes a little bit more sense that he starts to rat out said friend, but continues to astonish when he helps him near the end. (Interesting tidbit: During this book, we get the quote from which the name of Otton's book comes from. The hero of this story is trying to save the girl and asks Otton what he should do. He replies, "I know what I'd do in the matter, but I'm a dedicated villain."Book 4. Love Alters Not: Further surprise comes when he helps the girl near the end and makes the promise not to turn in Jacobites. (The only thing you can trust about him is the fact that he always keeps his given word.) Book 5. Cherished Enemy: Still on the hunt for the treasure, but doesn't rat out the hero and heroine when he has the chance due to promise.
This book started out really good. I loved that the hero was a past villain from other books. I didn't read the prior books but a reviewer did a great job at outlining his character in the past stories. It was an enjoyable read at times, and Patricia Veryan is a very good writer but there is so much going on in this book that has noting to do with the romance. The few romantic scenes were the best of the book. I loved that it took some time for the hero to start warming up to the heroine. He wasn't blown away by her at first. Not until she saved his life. I also liked the scenes with the hero and his grandfather and how they both needed to forgive each other. Traveling with the acting caravan... not so much. Things got boring after a while and I just wanted them to reach somewhere already! Anyway, this wasn't a bad book. It depends on your taste I guess. I get bored pretty easy and 400 plus pages of what should be considered a traditional regency was a bit much but it had other qualities that I enjoyed.
Do You like book The Dedicated Villain (1990)?
I almost gave this book four stars because it is about the villian from all the other books and how can you possibly like the bad guy? But alas, I finished the book and feel so happy with the ending. Someone said before that this book stands alone as a love story but I would highly recommend reading the other five first. I'm one who likes the whole story and this book refers quite a bit to other characters from the other books. I already know I'll be reading this series a second time now that I know how things end.
—Michelle
