Justine Brightmore may be a viscount's niece, but she's also a spy's daughter, determined to safeguard the infant when his suspected royal parentage makes him a target. Yet how to protect herself from the rakish Griffin? Marriage might shield her reputation, but it can only imperil her heart, especially with a groom intent on delicious seduction.
The second book in the Renegade Royals series wraps up some previously alluded to mysteries regarding Sir Dominic, Chloe and the child that resulted from the devastating encounter with Chloe and one of the royals in the first book in this series. The hero in this is none other than Griffin Steele, secret son of the Duke of Cumberland, and Chloe Steel. After a childhood full of abandonment and shame, Griffin grows into a man with a notorious reputation as a gaming club and brothel owner. Many of the ton find themselves in his debt financially and he achieves his power and notoriety from his blatant disregarding of social rules and his ability to be cold and dangerous when needed. However, despite the rather grim persona he displays, Griffin will go to any length to protect those he cares about. When a baby with a mysterious note arrives on his doorstep he cannot abandon the child to an uncertain fate. Instead Griffin is forced to embark on a mission to protect the child and discover his rightful place in the world before whoever is hunting for him discovers the tiny baby hidden in the brothel.
Justine Brightmore, daughter of a legendary spy, would much rather spend her days in quiet contemplation in the country than anywhere near the ton and hustle of London society. She has resigned herself to a life as a quiet companion and spinster. When her beloved Uncle Dominic asks her to help care for an abandoned baby, she cannot turn him down and grudgingly agrees to help with the task. Her unease grows as she learns about the dangerous Mr. Steele and his residence next to a brothel where she and the baby will be staying. She reassures herself that this position will be of short duration, but once she opens the door to the scandal and trouble that awaits her, there will be no going back.
With their lives and reputations on the line, Justine will stop at nothing to protect the baby from those who wish to do him harm. Griffin finds himself equally attentive to Justine’s safety. When a break in to the brothel throws the house in chaos, a split second decision will change Griffin’s whole life. Can the notorious gamester and rake change for the better? Can the two of them keep the baby safe? When characters from the past reappear, their world will be upended. How will they know who to trust? Can matters of the heart overcome even obstacles as great as they face?
Veida Dehmlow does a great job narrating this novel. Griffin comes off as very gruff and hearty, but given that Jack Sparrow was the inspiration for this character (as noted by the author) I think the voice suits him well. I both read and listened to this book and I think the audio version adds additional depth and character to the story which I enjoyed greatly.
NARRATED BY: VEIDA DEHMLOW
LENGTH: 13 HRS AND 26 MINS
SERIES: THE RENEGADE ROYALS, BOOK 2
RELEASE: 4/1/2014
PUBLISHER: TANTOR AUDIO