Description:
Setting: England, 1816 Sensuality Rating: 8 Known as the Colonial Upstart by polite London society, American-born beauty Elizabeth has much larger problems than the question of her citizenship. After chasing an errant kitten through the bushes at a fancy ball and being discovered in a most undignified position, Elizabeth unexpectedly makes the acquaintance of no less than Austin Jamison, the Duke of Bradford, her reluctant host. Conspiring with Elizabeth to return the kitten to its worried mama and to sneak Elizabeth into her room the back way so as to spare her humiliation, Bradford is at first shocked then immediately suspicious of Elizabeth's questions about his brother William, who is reported to have died a hero's death while in service to his country. Bradford protects a secret that threatens to destroy his family, and he'll do anything to keep it a secret, even if it means keeping an eye on the lissome Elizabeth all day--and all night. Elizabeth is equally determined to use every advantage to protect Bradford from the menacing threat stalking him. Close quarters prove an irresistible temptation for the headstrong couple who eventually realize that their greatest strength, and their most useful gift, is their love for each other. Jacquie D'Alessandro's sophomore effort combines sensuality and humor in a tender tale that will leave readers clamoring for more, more, more! --Alison Trinkle
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