New York Times bestselling author Liz Carlyle creates her darkest, most sensuous story yet, as a delectable but desperate governess runs headlong into the path of a notorious rake.
Women rarely refuse the wicked Earl of Hepplewood, whose daring exploits are only whispered about. But when his new governess answers his proposition with a slap, then stalks out, references in hand, Hepplewood finds more than his face is burning.
Isabella Aldridge has brains, bravado, and beauty—but the latter is no use to a servant. Her circumstances are desperate, and with Hepplewood’s words ringing in her ears, Isabella realizes she must barter her most marketable asset . . . her body.
But when fate sends Isabella back into Hepplewood’s arms, the earl must make an impossible choice—draw Isabella down into his sensual darkness, or behave with honor for the first time in his life.
In order to support her sisters, Isabella Aldridge has been working as a governess to the children of a notorious courtesan. The boys are now old enough to be sent to school, and Isabella desperately needs to find a new position. There are no prospects, and her latest interview with the Earl of Hepplewood resulted in an offer, but for that of mistress, not governess to his child. Angry and disheartened, she leaves, and not knowing what else to do, visits her former employer to ask advice. She is bluntly told that if she has no one to marry, she should seriously consider becoming a mistress. Deciding that providing a home for her sisters is worth any cost, she contacts a “broker,” who sets up these types of arrangements. Before long, she is being sent to meet her prospective protector, who turns out to be none other than Anthony Chalfont, the Earl of Hepplewood. Ironically, he was so taken with Isabella’s beauty and unusual coloring, that he requested a woman with those traits, not knowing he would get the real deal and not a facsimile.
At their first meeting, Anthony was portrayed as a total jerk. He is much more complex than that. He’s had some tragic events in his past that dramatically changed him. He’s determined to never form any kind of emotional attachment. He is controlling and domineering, though at heart he’s still a kind man. After one night with Isabella, he knows he’s in danger of feeling more than lust, so for his own self preservation, he decides to send her away, but with some jewels worth a large sum of money. Isabella is shocked at being sent away, but she decides it’s probably for the best. She had been briefly married, but really had very little sexual knowledge and experience. Her night with Anthony shook her world, and she figures it’s probably best that she does leave. The jewels allow her to open a bookshop, and support herself and her sisters respectably.
Anthony, however, finds that he can’t stay away. He pursues Isabella, and she can’t resist him. This begins a yo-yo relationship of their being together, then not together, then together again. Normally, this really is something I dislike in a book, but it worked here, as both of them are fighting falling in love. Anthony, despite his flaws, is really a hero. Events in his past changed him, but he’s still protective and caring of Isabella. She, in turn, is honest, beautiful and loving. Their chemistry together is off the charts HOT! The sex in this book strays outside what you normally find in a historical romance. There are elements of BDSM, so be warned if that’s not your cup of tea. Generally, it’s not mine, but Liz Carlyle made it work, and it’s an integral part of their characters, and it’s not gratuitous.
There’s also an element of mystery in the story, and all is wrapped up in a most satisfactory way. I found this to be a very strong book, and one of my favorites this year. When all is said and done, this is about two wounded people who are able to find love and healing with each other. I believe this to be Liz Carlyle’s best book, and I highly recommend it.
Reviewed by Rose
Heat Level: Scorching/Erotic
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