Ravishing in Red

May 3, 2010
The latest from veteran Regency romance writer Hunter (Provocative in Pearls) begins a new series with the brave Audrianna Kelmsleigh who, while attempting to exonerate her father's death, ends up drawn to one of his persecutors, handsome Lord Sebastian Summerhays, after they're both lured to a Brighton inn by the same mysterious advertisement. When Audrianna momentarily lets down her guard for a kiss with Lord Sebastian, a mysterious figure known as Domino appears; after shots are fired, the escalating controversy further threatens Audrianna's family's name. Hunt pays little attention to period custom and language, apparently more concerned with future storylines-taking special care to introduce Audriana's three beautiful friends and Summerhays's matching trio (an injured brother and two handsome friends). It should be no surprise, then, that the novel is most enjoyable in its leads' moments of passion.

Starred review from January 1, 2010
Audrianna Kelmsleigh had no intention of shooting Sebastian Summerhays; it was an accident. The only reason Audrianna even brought a weapon with her was because she thought she might need some protection when she met the man who held the key to clearing her fathers name: the mysterious Domino. Much to Audriannas disappointment, the man who turns up is Sebastian, one of the government officials whose accusations of treason drove Audriannas father to suicide. When Domino finally arrives, he quickly flees once he discovers that Audrianna is not alone. In the confusion, the gun goes off, Sebastian is wounded, and the resulting scandal threatens to destroy whats left of Audriannas reputation. Of course, there is a solution, but the very idea of marrying Sebastian is enough to make Audrianna seriously consider picking up the pistol and finishing off what she started. Richly spiced with wicked wit and masterfully threaded with danger and desire, the superbly sexy first book in Hunters new Regency historical quartet is irresistible and wonderfully entertaining.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2010, American Library Association.)