This book is a classic of the genre, and one of the first Regency romances I ever read. Very well written and unusual. For quite a while you may not be sure which of the men in the story is the hero, because both of them are acting like rotters. And you may find yourself rooting for the worst "bad guy". I think that's what Edith Layton intended. It takes quite a writer to do that. The relationship between the characters develops in a very subtle way. Regina, the heroine, certainly teaches both of them a lesson. Although she appears to be in a powerless position she ends up with her pick of the two competing "heroes" (although neither of them has been acting heroically for most of the book) and turns both of their lives upside down in a surprising way.
I reread it recently, and it still holds up.

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Beautiful and innocent Regina Berryman finds herself in sombre circumstances when two rakes of the realm vie for her affections. The Duke of Torquay is very scandalous and will sink to low levels to get his way. The Marquis of Bessacarr, rumored to be the Duke's successor as the most scandalous rake, is acting as her protector, but also has nefarious plans in mind. With two such men plotting against her, can the lovely Regina hold on to her virtue?

This book was ok. I found it somewhat unbelievable and disturbing at what lengths the Duke would sink to in order to make her dependent upon him.

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