His Dark and Dangerous Ways

by Edith Layton

Simon Atwood, Lord Granger, once gave all for his country—and paid the price. Now, his handsome face haunted by a secret sorrow, Simon has undertaken a mission far closer to home, but no less dangerous. And though he hesitates to risk her safety, he must seek the help of Jane Chatham, an enchanting dance teacher who could prove a worthy partner—in espionage and in love. Forced to live by her wiles far from her well-bred country upbringing, Jane Chatham is suspicious of every man's intentions, even those of a gentleman like Simon Atwood. After all, she knows nothing of this enigmatic nobleman, and has no reason to believe his promises. Keeping him at a distance should prove simple for the resourceful, quick-witted beauty . . . until she finds herself mesmerized by Simon's dark and dangerous ways, consumed by a passion that puts her very life at stake.

Genres: Romance, Historical Romance, Historical, Regency, Historical Fiction, Regency Romance

384 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published May 27, 2008

About the author

Edith Layton wrote her first novel when she was ten. She bought a marbleized notebook and set out to write a story that would fit between its covers. Now, an award-winning author with more than thirty novels and numerous novellas to her credit, her criteria have changed. The story has to fit the reader as well as between the covers.

Graduating from Hunter College in New York City with a degree in creative writing and theater, Edith worked for various media, including a radio station and a major motion picture company. She married and went to suburbia, where she was fruitful and multiplied to the tune of three children. Her eldest, Michael, is a social worker and artist in NYC. Adam is a writer and performer on NPR's Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me. Daughter Susie is a professional writer, comedian and performer who works in television.

Publishers Weekly called Edith Layton "one of romance's most gifted writers." Layton has enthralled readers and critics with books that capture the spirit of historically distant places and peoples. "What I've found," she says, "is that life was very different in every era, but that love and love of life is always the same."

Layton won an RT Book Reviews Career Achievement award for the Historical genre in 2003 and a Reviewers' Choice award for her book The Conquest in 2001. Amazon.com's top reviewer called Layton's Alas, My Love (April 2005, Avon Books), "a wonderful historical." And her recent release, Bride Enchanted, is a Romantic Times 2007 Reviewers' Choice Award Nominee.

Edith Layton lived on Long Island where she devoted time as a volunteer for the North Shore Animal League , the world's largest no-kill pet rescue and adoption organization. Her dog Daisy --adopted herself from a shelter-- is just one member of Layton's household menagerie.

Edith Layton passed away on June 1, 2009 from ovarian cancer.

Reviews

[Julie (jjmachshev)]

Superb historical romance. "His Dark and Dangerous Ways" by Edith Layton is a refreshing read with not much real danger, equisite sexual tension, and a hero and heroine you like from the first page.

Simon, Lord Granger, returned to England after a year in a French prison thanks to the woman he loved and he thought loved him. Now, he doesn't trust anyone and no longer frolics in the ton. At least, not until an old friend from his spying days makes a special request.

Jane is a gentlewoman down on her luck. Her family is gone, and the estate has passed to the next male heir. Refusing to be just another needy charity case, she goes to London determined to make her own way. Somehow, she's become entangled in a confusing mystery and three different people are asking her to spy for them. Who should she trust?

As I said, I enjoyed this read as I usually do Ms Layton's books. No TSTL (too stupid to live) heroes or heroines for her, good use of sexual tension, and always a HEA (happily ever after).

[Ladiibbug]

Historical Romance - PG13

My first Edith Layton read, and it was very nice! More of a light, nice romance than some of the steamier books. The suspense was light, too -- very enjoyable, without overtaxing the brain.

Simon Atwood, Lord Granger, has returned home to England after being imprisoned as a spy by the French in the war. His close friend hires him to casually investigate the friend's younger brother, who is being pursued by a beautiful, wealthy, older (mid 30's) woman.

The "older woman's" daughter's dance instructress (Jane) catches Lord Granger's eye, and they become friends. But much more than socializing is going on in the lady's salon, and Simon draws Jane into a secret investigation.

Oh! And there's a poisoning! I just LOVE a good poisoning in a book! (The person survives, no worries.)

Anyone have any recommendations as to which other Edith Layton books are her best?

[Christina Tang-Bernas]

Every so often, I like a good bodice ripper. It's like those times I watch those Disney Original movies. I want something fun, quick, and doesn't take a lot of brain cells. This was all three, especially the last.

Neither of the main characters had much personality. I don't even remember their names (and I'm too lazy to look it up). The main male character (MMC) wasn't particularly dark nor dangerous and there wasn't a whole lot of spying going on. Most of the book consisted of the female main character (FMC) telling the MMC that he's going to ruin her reputation.

The story was a quick read and the parts where the FMC was teaching the little girls to dance were super cute. Everyone lived happily ever after which is always a plus. Other than that, I just didn't CARE much for the book or the characters. It was quite forgettable.

[Maria]

I was a little disappointed in this Edith Layton. It was more sketchily written than I have come to expect from her. Plus, the book did not flow as well as her past books. The best parts were the descriptions of Jane Chatham teaching the three- and four-year-old little girls to dance. After that, the dialogue seemed forced and frequently without direction, going off at a tangent without warning. The plot also lacked direction, starting in one place and ending in another.

[Gail]

Heroine is the first toddler-dance instructor ever. She's teaching the very young daughter--and many of the daughter's friends--of a society widow, and gets knocked over by one over-enthusiastic four-year-old. While the widow's society guests are present to see her skirts fly up. This creates a titillating scandal she's desperate to avoid. The hero is an ex-spy who's recruited to scope out the widow who seems to have the spy-boss's kid brother in his sights. Hero meets dance instructor, hires her to help him spy (to collect gossip in the kitchen, and from widow, if she can) and uses many disguises to meet her, to protect her reputation. This story seems to be mostly the heroine worrying about her reputation, the hero talking her into ignoring it, more worrying, more rationalization. A bit of minor intrigue here and there, then a major action scene and everything gets tidily wrapped up. Layton can write some seriously deep stuff--this isn't it. It's much lighter and fluffier than the majority of her other books, a very fast, and entertaining read.

[Kagama-the Literaturevixen]

Not one of Laytons best.

The title was more exciting than the actual book.

I dont usually like spying and that kind of intrigue in my HR-s,but for this one I wish it had been more of that.

It was after all the premise for the h and H to meet but seemed to be nothing more than a plot point for them to have a reason to hang out. It just sort of fizzled out.

The heroine being a dance instructor was interesting but I am not sure I bought into her being one for toddlers. Just silly. Would have been more believable if it was for a bit older children.

[Highland-dreamer]

The plot of this book seemed a bit silly to me. The description left me thinking it would be more intriguing than it actually was.

[BURMA]

Recuerdo que no fue una mala lectura pero tenía algún toque tonto.

[TJ]

While the writing in this book was just average, I really enjoyed it. The heroine was a well-bred but penniless young lady who, rather than compromise her morals,gets imaginative and creates a job for herself teaching children of aristocrats how to dance. Throughout the book, she manages to stick to her guns and hold on to her integrity and character despite her circumstances or the pressure of the men in society. How refreshing! For that alone, I love the book. I did realize something, however, if a romance ends without the characters ever verbally stating their love, no matter how wonderful the book, I close that back cover dissappointed.

[Aileen]

I always liked reading historical romance fiction, especially if espionage is part of it. Simon and Jane were a great couple. Their after-work meetings were cleverly written, however, it took me a while to figure out WHO the villain was in this story, but chapters before it was revealed I was able to guess correctly and wasn't that surprised. At least the reason used for the said person turning villain wasn't a cheesy one IMO.

[Carole Moran]

To my way of thinking, this book is better than most in the genre. I actually develops a friendship between the hero and heroine. It lacks the unnecessary sex scenes that most of these books have, and the couple actually waits until after the wedding to hop into bed.

The plot is not a major feature; the relationship between two adults in 1800's England is the focus of the story. I found it very refreshing as well as holding my interest.

[Amber]

WOW that title and flavor text are misleading! The mystery is a joke, as is the intrigue. It's clear fairly early that his friend is the villain. The romance...I don't even know. HOWEVER, it still gets two stars from me because of the absolutely HILARIOUS eunuch misunderstanding. To be clear, I'm pretty sure it was supposed to be funny.

[Grace]

Re-read September 21, 2011. Did not remember at all from previous read. Good story. Enjoyed it all over again...
re-read November 2013. Enjoyed all over again!

[Hazel]

Rubbish!

[Tressa]

His Dark and Dangerous Ways was pleasant and charming, but I lost interest as the story progressed. I didn’t continue reading.

[penelopewanders]

Fun, well-written, not too deep or demanding. Good summer read.

[Marianne]

Nice delicious story, good mystery and clean fun.
First time with this author.

[Frances]

Really, a strong 3.5. I enjoyed it very much, a few editorial issues but minor.

[Erin]

A little silly, but I like her ladies, and I like the penultimate chapter.

[Lynn Calvin]

Amazon received