The Knave of Hearts by Elizabeth Boyle

THE KNAVE OF HEARTS
Rhymes with Love Series - Book Five
Elizabeth Boyle
Avon
ISBN# 978-0-06-228395-5
February 2016
Historical Romance

Boyle's latest book in her Rhymes With Love series features Lavinia Tempest, the twin sister of Louisa, the heroine in THE VISCOUNT WHO LIVED DOWN THE LANE. Having come to London for the season, the girls are hoping for good matches. All hopes go out the window when Lavinia falls on the dance floor at Almack's at her debut, creating a black hole where her future used to be. With invitations withdrawn, she and her sister are getting prepared to leave London as it seems to be the only recourse. That is until Alaster "Tuck" Rowland is able to convince her to stay and try again, with his help.
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Tuck can't forget how she felt in his arms. It's bad enough that he unceremoniously let go of her hand on the dance floor causing her fall, but it's worse that he placed a bet on how he would make her and her sister Diamonds of the season in just two weeks. Even though she knows nothing of the wager (at first), Tuck is able to convince her to stay and bring in his mother and uncle in to help with his plot. But it's he who will need help when he realizes that Lavinia shouldn't be with any other man except him.

This book really needs to be read after the previous book, but it's not truly necessary. Louisa's story is told along with Lavinia's in real time (meaning that even though we know Louisa's story, it is seen through Lavinia's eyes in this one). I liked the fact that this book started off a bit different. Tuck is the friend that stayed behind while his friends Piers and Poldie went off to war, with only Piers coming back. Everyone thinks he's a coward for not going and he does seem to give off a carefree air about him, but inside he's guilt ridden. He doesn't believe he is the right man for Lavinia, so when the ending comes, it's no surprise that it's Lavinia that takes matters into her own hands. Quite an enjoyable read.

Reviewed by Jennifer Jones
Rating: 4 1/2