NOTORIOUS is the first book in Minerva Spencer’s “Rebels of the Ton” series. This book as not as light and breezy as I first supposed – but that’s not a bad thing. I initially thought this would be a fun romp with a “marriage to save a lady’s reputation” and “reformed rake” theme. I was too quick to judge. These characters are infinitely complex, and they prove to be the greatest stumbling block to their shared happiness. The angst, passion, and complicated plot twists are like something out of a telenovela. I was alternately rolling my eyes and chuckling as I read along. Enjoy!

There are several classic romance tropes at work in this tale. Gabriel “Gabe” Marlington is the notably charming and wicked stepbrother of Drusilla Clare’s BFF, Lady Eva de Courtney. It’s a small mercy that this story is told from alternating perspectives, because these characters have secrets upon secrets and keep their innermost feelings on lockdown. Most of the conflict between Drusilla and Gabriel – both before and after their sudden marriage – would be solved if they communicated better. Gabe is convinced that Drusilla has always firmly disliked him. He has a bit of a chip on his shoulder and assumes it has to do with his upbringing and the fact that his father was a sultan. No. Drusilla finds Gabe wildly attractive but is insecure about her appearance and general attractiveness. Her chip on her shoulder centers around the fact that most men are turned off by her feminist leanings. Sigh. Normally I’d be incredibly frustrated by such misunderstandings between the hero and heroine, but Minerva Spencer does a spectacular job of weaving a tangled web with characters who have depth and are realistically flawed. Sometimes you root for these characters, sometimes you want to strangle them, but the story keeps you engaged throughout.

NOTORIOUS has duels, dualities, passion galore, and a rickety road to romance. I feel like NOTORIOUS would make a great film. I am itching to read the next installment to see how Eva makes out, and to find out what becomes of the scheming Godric Fleming.