Serena Staverley was happy at Staverley Court. She loved to roam the stately gardens of her family manor and dream of her future love.

But then a cruel fate dealt her a shattering blow. Her father was killed in a duel after losing her hand, her inheritance and her home in a game of cards. All this was now the property of the infamous Lord Justin, Marquis of Vulcan -- a man whose reputation made it unwise for any decent woman to be seen in his company. A strange, cold man whose clifftop mansion echoed with terrible secrets.

With her freedom lost on the turn of a card, Serena is bound by a debt of honour to marry. She could run, or she could bow to the will of the brooding stranger who held her father's debt. Either way it meant dishonor -- and the end of her dreams.

After her arrival at his ancestral home of Mandrake, she discovers by chance the secrets of his family, and is thrust into a world of smugglers, highwaymen, abduction and murder. ( )

Normally I would not read Cartland but I came across some of the plot whilst researching the Regency Era and then saw similarities there that forced me to investigate the book. Before getting it I saw the cheesy film version which is much more readily available in the teens of the 21st century then the book is.

Where once Cartland was recognized as a queen of the genre, i do not think she holds up well. We have added more history and attention to the details of the period than Ms. Cartland seemed to have here in this sampling of her style and tale.

Where it might be fine for those who like their romances in such a way that there is a hero, a villain, and a heroine, I can't seem to allow Cartland to have a hold on me as either Austen or Heyer does of writers who have left us. Or more modern writers whom give me enjoyment.

The tale revolves around the plot line of a woman being lost to our hero over the turn of the play at cards. I think we are assured now in our study of the regency that even were such play to be done, it would be considered debasing against all sides, and that would mean the hero we learn to know in this story, Lord Vulcan, would never engage in such. Or should he try, countless other gentlemen witnessing this would stop them.

Cartland, though may not have stopped at such a study of the Regency in order to create her plot and tell her tale. I think that is the disconnect. Suspend my disbelief, but do not force me to think that this is an alternate universe. Thus in the end, I can not recommend this work to others who like the Regency, and since it was difficult enough for me to find, 65 years after it was first published, seeing it fade away from the canon of regencies we read might be better than urging any to find it and read it as well. ( )

Good romance book but if you read "Friday's child" by Georgette Heyer you will not be able to enjoy it as much because Cartland "borrowed" widely from it for this and one more of her books as of plot lines and character names.

The book makes much more "period sence" when compared to the film made with Helena Bonham-Carter in 1988. If you enjoyed the film, the book will add a bit because the ending is different but in general there is no real need to jump through hoopes to get it. ( )