Review: Another du Bois Success  ***4 1/2 Stars***
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 01 27, 2014
Daphne du Bois is a new author.  I believe this is her second book.  I read her first, "The Rogue's Reluctant Rose" and loved it.  This one, "The Scoundrel's Secret Siren" is just as good.  I actually liked the storyline of this one a bit better than the first.The plot, although by no means unique to the regency genre, is interesting and fast paced.  The story kept me engaged from start to finish and has well drawn, relatable characters.  The book could do with some minor editing, but any grammatical errors, etc., did not in any way detract from my enjoyment of the story.Lorelei Linden, the daughter of a Baron, is quite an adventurous miss.  She would rather be dashing about enjoying the delights of London, rather than being stuck in the country.  It is during one such visit to her father's country estate that Lorelei decides to counter her boredom by going ghost "sighting".  For that purpose, one night she find herself riding alone along a stretch of deserted road nearby her family estate.  This is where she has her first encounter with the hero, Alastair Tilbury, Earl of Winbourne.Alastair is stranded when his curricle overturns.  Daphne comes to his aid and offers him a ride.  Before the two part ways, Alastair steals, not only a kiss, but also a chain with her mother's moonstone pendant.  The two next meet in London at a social event.  Because Lorelei had been wearing a veil during their first encounter, Alastair does not immediately recognize her.  It does not take him long, however, to determine that she is his Greek siren.....at least he is fairly certain that Lorelei was she.From there a game begins between the two, whereby Alastair tries to get Lorelei to admit that she is the lady of his midnight rendezvous.  To that end, he continuously waves her mother's moonstone pendant about to torment her.  She can't ask for it back without revealing her identify, but neither can she allow him  to so openly flaunt it, because if anyone were to recognize the trinket as hers there is sure to be a scandal!  LOLAlistair is a world weary peer.  He has been the focus of so many matrimonial machinations that he heartily avoids the young unmarried ladies of the ton.  He therefore presents an icy countenance when out in society, which is quite off putting.  He is intrigued by Lorelei and, as the two spend more time together, discovers his feelings for her growing.For her part, Lorelei cannot fathom what game Alastair is playing.  She suspects he must find her amusing, "a novelty in his world of weary repartee..."  Many times I found myself laughing out loud at the subtle taunts and hints Alastair made to torment Lorelei.  LOL  But, the jaded, world weary Earl has met his match and soon finds himself ensnared in a trap of his own making.  La  There is a love scene, but nevertheless, this is a clean romance.I loved this story.  The only complaint I have, and it is a small one, is that the cause of a misunderstanding between Alastair and Lorelei later in the book was, IMO, a bit trite.  Furthermore, I thought Lorelei overreacted to the situation.***SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER***  The morning after Lorelei and Winbourne spend the night together, she awakens to find him gone.  He left a brief indicating that he would see her later.  For whatever reason, Lorelei immediately assumes that Winbourne has no intentions of making her an honest offer.  She comes up with the harebrained scheme to take off, alone, for her family's country estate.  I couldn't understand her reasoning.  I mean it's not like Winbourne could have stayed lounging around in bed with her for the servants to find him.  Furthermore, I didn't understand what exactly she wanted him to say in the note.  Quite frankly, I found her behavior ridiculous.  Thankfully, this situation arose close enough to the end of the story that all was quickly and easily resolved.  ***END OF SPOILER***Ms. du Bois has produced another delightful regency romance.  I look forward to her next one "His Wayward Duchess" which is due out soon.  In case there is any doubt, I highly recommend this book.