Elizabeth (Beth) Banning has a reputation as a flirt and a jilt. The youngest of the Banning sisters, she does as she pleases. Neil Severin enters her life and turns it upside down.

Shameless is the long awaited final book in the Banning sisters' trilogy featuring Beth. I found the main characters to be very interesting and dynamic. Beth has been affected by her upbringing, and it has skewed her perceptions of marriage. She is a proud, strong woman and in need of someone who can handle her. Neil is the man for the job. He is not easily cowed or deterred. All you have to do is look at his profession to know what kind of man he is. He is a professional assassin, and he is good at his job. So you have one tough lady versus one tough man, and you can imagine what happens when they collide. This is one entertaining couple. The sparks fly from their first meeting, and it just escalates as the story unfolds. And what a story it is - the author takes us on a roller coaster ride as Beth is kidnapped. I won't ruin the storyline but suffice it to say that Neil must play rescuer.

It has been years since I read Irresistible and Scandalous, and I have very little memory of the books. Having finished Shameless, it has renewed my interest in Claire and Hugh as well as Gabby and Marcus. I will definitely be rereading their books. Shameless is a book that can stand on its own. You don't have to have read the earlier ones to enjoy it. The main characters are well-developed, and the story moves at a nice pace. Above all, there is lots of romance! Fans of Ms. Robards will enjoy her newest historical offering.

Reviewed by: Susan T.