Rating: 
Summary: Disappointed, of course
Review: After all the anticipation, how could anything measure up? There was a lot to like about this book, unfortunately, Rothgar was not one of them. The book was well written, with clever dialogue and page-turning action. I could have lived with any heroine the author chose to pair with Rothgar, including Diana, as long as she kept true to Rothgar. Which she didn't. Yes, I would have expected him to lighten up considerably by the end of the story, especially with his love, but along the way all he did was sit back and let Diana make all the decisions, all the moves. That's not the Rothgar we've known. The thing that totally ruined him for me was the rescue scene at the cottage. His inaction there just went too far. A piece of lint has more backbone. The Rothgar in this story was an ineffectual, boring, passive stranger. The book would have been better without him.
Rating: 
Summary: Devilish is for keeps !
Review: When I purchased "Devilish," I didn't know that it was the last of the four Malloren novels. Granted that reading the first three would have greatly helped in understanding and appreciating the nuances of "Devilish," it didn't take away from the delight of reading this thoroughly enjoyable book by Jo Beverely. The author weaves an intricate tale with lots of twists and turns and surprises to the very end. I also loved the way the author gave such texture and different layers to each of her characters. She fashioned a very strong and intense hero in Rothgar but an equally determined and intelligent heroine in Diana. The pull between family obligation and personal happiness was also very touching. Personally, I would have wanted more intimate scenes between the principal characters and a more vocal declaration of love by Rothgar but other than that, "Devilish" was a delight to read. It was worth the 7day shipping time from the US to this remote part of the world. It moved me so much to have ordered the first three Malloren novels and to write this review at 1:00 in the morning! Jo Beverly is right up there with my other favorite novelists, Judith McNaught and Susan Elizabeth Phillips. Trust that you will not be disappointed!
Rating: 
Summary: An Intelligent Romance!
Review: How wonderful to read a well-written romance featuring two mature, strong, generous people. Beverley doesn't rely upon the old and tired Terrible Misunderstanding as plot device, thank goodness. Her heroine isn't full of misconceptions and tantrums like so many romance heroines are, and her hero isn't blind to his love for her, as so many romantic heroes are. Instead, the characters are people easy to admire and relate to and even aspire to. The details of the Georgian era are plentiful and fascinating without ever becoming tedious. And there's a great romantic sensuality (rather than sexuality) pervading the book. Jo Beverley's romances are the only ones I've read which I've enjoyed thoroughly and which I haven't thought inane. Do try this one.
Rating: 
Summary: What a disappointment!
Review: I have been waiting so long for Rothgar and felt this book did him no justice! Suddenly this aloof, omniscient hero becomes this idiotic lovesick Bey. Diana was no match for him--all she does is whine about how she never could marry because she would lose the power over her estates, blah, blah, blah. There is very little evidence in her portrayal that shows her to be strong and competent, in my opinion. There was never any real personality tension or attraction developed between them. One minute they hardly know each other, the next Rothgar is desperately in love. Oh please! What a cruel disappointment for this long time Rothgar fan. And I was also irritated with the slighting comments regarding Fort, with whom I fell in love in Something Wicked. She made him come across as somewhat dull and stodgy. If you are a Malloren fan you will read this book for a sense of completion, but not with real excitement or satisfaction.
Rating:
Summary: Disappointing!
Review: Perhaps my expectations were bloated by the other opinions posted on this page, but I found this book disappointing. Diana and Rothgar's relationship lacked a certain spark that mark truly good romances. Sure, they were well-suited, but there was something missing. The characters also were not consistent, and therefore seemed less real. I especially found Rothgar's quick capitulation in the end completely out-of-character and abrupt. He moped around for a day or so and voila, he changed his mind! Come on!Plot wise, the story is also disappointing. The artificial attempt to create danger in the story via a scheme involving the French, Rothgar, Diana and other characters was contrived and not believable. Better to have left that out and used the space to explore the growth of Rothgar and Diana. As it is, they spend a good chunk of the book apart from each other. I haven't read any of the other books to this Malloren Series, so I don't share some of the other reader's obvious delight in re-encountering old characters. You might enjoy it more if you've read other books in this series, but if you are a new reader like me, exercise caution!
Rating:
Summary: Delicious
Review: This is my first Jo Beverly novel, and it will not be the last. I loved the Marquess and the Countess was a very good heroine, different even from the crop of recent Leading Ladies who save the day. Bey and Diana are perfect together, matched by their wits and their character. As an added bonus the writing itself is clever and the eccentric characters that populate the novel add an unexpected flair. I suggest that you read the book and decide for yourselves. Meanwhile, I am off to get more Jo Beverly reading materials. P.S. I am inviting Bey into all my fantasies from now on. :)
Rating:
Summary: Intelligent, well-crafted, witty and wonderful
Review: Like everyone, I was eager to read the last installment in the Malloren series, and realized the author had a very challenging task ahead of her, trying to find the perfect mate for Rothgar. Though some of the other reviewers didn't think she was his equal, I felt Diana was the perfect fit -- she was strong, gutsy, intelligent, witty, independent, confident, brave, and loving ... had she been anything but, surely Rothgar would not have respected and admired her enough to end up falling in love her. I loved how her innocence and impulsiveness were balanced by his maturitiy, which even he seemed to, at times, find burdensome -- she was a breath of fresh air to him. I adored the witty, subtle, intelligent dialogue between them. And I LOVED seeing the all-controlling Rothgar fall victim to love, and the gradual bending, and finally, breaking, of his will ... the scene where he falls asleep in Diana's arms -- total capitulation -- was, IMHO, the sexiest scene in the book. My only complaint is that the author didn't seem to know where to end the book; there were two climaxes, and I think the book would have made a better final and lasting impact had the last duelling scene been excluded, or if it had come earlier. Otherwise, I would have given it a perfect 5 stars. Definitely a keeper!
Rating:
Summary: Jo Beverley is at the top of her game
Review: What a terrific book! The first paragraph sets the tone for the rest of the novel, which is beautifully researched and thoughtfully written. Full of period detail, intense and emotional, the Marquess of Rothgar's romance was well worth the wait.
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful
Review: I have, as many others have, waited impatiently for Rothgar's story. Diana was a perfect match. Having the strength and intelligence to meet him on all levels and yet able to understand the humanity under his seemingly all powerful facade. Rothgar seemed so alone in all the other books despite his obvious love for his family. How nice to see that addressed in this story. A must read for all romance book lovers.
Rating:
Summary: a disappointment
Review: I have read all of Jo Beverely's books. Most of the Malloren series is well done. However, I am disappointed in this book which tells Rothgars' story. I feel that his heroine should not have been such a strong, forceful women. They say that opposites attract, and that would have been a better choice for his mates character. He needed someone who was gentle and delicate to counter his strength and ruthlessness. That would have made the story more full of tension, and heightened his level of desire. What a struggle he could have faced, trying to balance his darkness to her light.
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