From Publishers WeeklyFourth in Foley's Regency-era Knight family series (Lord of Ice, etc.), this tantalizing tale offers a glimpse of a world that historical romance authors rarely acknowledge-the slums and back alleys of London. Lady Jacinda Knight, a spoiled and sheltered beauty, defies her eldest brother and guardian by running away to avoid an arranged marriage. She makes it as far as a coaching inn before she falls prey to a young purse-snatcher. Not one to concede defeat, Jacinda chases him into an alley and winds up in the middle of a turf war between rival gangs of thieves. Hard-bitten Billy Blade, a troubled Robin Hood-like figure who's not quite what he seems, takes an ungrateful Jacinda back to her brothers but not before they share a heated kiss. The two eventually meet again when Billy is forced to reunite with his abusive father and reclaim his title as Earl of Rackford, but her desire for independence clashes with his resolve to make her his wife. It's hard to believe that the pampered aristocrat would find Billy worthy of her attentions, but his irreverent charm and innate sense of justice will quickly endear him to readers. Despite the book's title, Billy is the true star here, and his transformation from street-wise rebel into high society rake is full of light humor, lively surprises and tender moments.From BooklistWhile chasing a wily pickpocket who stole the money she desperately needs to escape an arranged marriage, Lady Jacinda Knight stumbles into a gang war in a dangerous part of London. She is rescued by Billy Blade, the infamous "King of Thieves," who takes her back to his lair until he discovers her real identity and immediately takes her home, leaving her with only memories of their forbidden passion. When Billy is later forced to abandon his adopted identity and resume his rightful place as William Spencer Albright, the Earl of Rackford, the entire town wonders where he has been hiding since he disappeared as a young boy, everyone, that is, except Jacinda, who immediately recognizes the wicked rogue lurking beneath his civilized veneer. Foley neatly contrasts the dark, perilous corners of London with the dazzling world of the city's wealthy as she continues her Knights Miscellany series in another delectably entertaining, lusciously sensual historical Regency, proving herself once again to be an irresistible author skilled at blending passion and intrigue. John CharlesProduct Details Mass Market Paperback: 432 pages Publisher: Ivy Books (January 1, 2003) Language: English ISBN-10: 0804119740 ISBN-13: 978-0804119740 Product Dimensions: 6.9 x 4.3 x 1.2 inches