A humorous, sometimes steamy, matchmaking series – with some books sweeter, and, others, more sensual.

Rake's Honour

What’s a girl to do when she has no money but must marry well?

When her father has died a debtor and her reprobate brother is intent on gambling away what little else remains?

When her feather-brained sister risks the family reputation by succumbing to any lure cast her way?

Why, her mother, Lady Brightwell, has just the plan! Her intelligent, beautiful daughter is to be sacrificed to a lecherous baron with gout and carbuncles in order to keep the family in the manner to which they’ve become accustomed.

Only, there’s the rub.

Lady Brightwell’s daughter Fanny might be intelligent and beautiful. But she’s also rebellious, clever and strong-willed.

And when her passionate heart is brought to life by a chance encounter with a dashing viscount, the fact he’s looking for a wealthy bride is of no account.

This is the story of Fanny's perilous gamble amidst a London season's offerings of debutantes with far greater address - but far less cunning - for the ultimate prize: dashing, delicious, dazzling Lord Fenton.

Sit back and enjoy this racy, Regency romp but do ensure your smelling salts are at hand - because Fanny Brightwell is prepared to risk everything to save herself from a lifetime attending to Great Aunt Seraphina's chilblains or massaging lecherous Lord Slyther’s gargantuan ego – amongst other things.

What readers are saying:

"Steamy and passionate... A good light-hearted read." ~ Amazon reader

"A fast-paced story, filled with humour, sexual attraction, love and desperation. The first in a series of novels set in a time when chastity and honour were everything." ~ Amazon reader.

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Rogue's Kiss

Would a potential suitor be bolder if he were told the lie that the object of his desire had only six months to live?

Sweet, pretty Thea Brightwell’s dull, quiet life with her crotchety aunt is about to be turned upside down by a visit to Bath and a chance encounter with handsome Mr Grayling.

However, the fledgling affair is quickly nipped in the bud by Thea's aunt who has no intention of losing her unpaid nurse and companion. Meanwhile, Mr Grayling regretfully acknowledges he needs to marry an heiress to restore his family's crumbling fortunes.

Unbeknownst to penniless Thea, she has an unlikely champion in her well-meaning but ‘not-too-bright’ Cousin Bertram who has decided to play matchmaker.

If the lack of a dowry is the only impediment to Mr Grayling making an offer of marriage, Bertram reasons the gentleman would play a riskier hand if he were told that the damsel he covets were destined for her deathbed within six months? And that it would be a kindness to offer her a taste of life's pleasures before her premature demise.

Crotchety maiden aunts, love letters gone astray, and ‘old flames’ appearing from the woodwork lead to a most disconcerting outcome!

ROGUE'S KISS can be read as a stand-alone. It follows award-winning racy Regency romp RAKE'S HONOUR.

What Readers are Saying:

"What could possibly go wrong? Well, nearly everything. This book has more twists and misunderstandings than a French farce." ~ Kindle Reader.

"I LOVED beautiful Thea's story and couldn't put it down losing hours of sleep!" ~ Kindle Reader

"The unexpected twist at the end made me smile and think...yes that's perfect." ~ Kindle Reader

"Nicely written and enjoyable Historical romance with a little steam." ~ Kindle Reader

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The Wedding Wager

Eliza has her own reasons for agreeing to wed selfish George Bramley. Reasons that have nothing to do with love!

If it's the only way to be reunited with the child she was forced to give up after a youthful indiscretion, Eliza will marry anyone!

Mr Rufus Patmore has come to Quamby House expecting to buy a horse, not find the virtuous, beautiful wife for whom he’s been searching.

For when tragedy is unexpectedly averted through an act of bravery by his host’s betrothed whom he'd thought cold and withdrawn, Rufus realises he has finally found a woman of strength and integrity.

A woman worthy of the title he'll inherit and who will, he is sure, give him a lifetime of happiness.

Rufus is also confident that, compared with selfish, oafish George Bramley, he's in a far better position to make Miss Eliza's dreams come true.

Indeed, Eliza knows he would be.

And so, in order to safeguard her secrets and to claim a future, Eliza agrees to one final, risky wager.

A wager she can't afford to lose.

The Wedding Wager - formerly titled Devil's Run - is Book 3 in the Scandalous Miss Brightwells series but can be read as a standalone.

What the readers say:

"A poignant, humorous matchmaking romance with an ending that's well worth the wait." ~ Amazon reader.

“She's torn between being able to love her son, and being able to love Rufus. Some of what happens is amusing and some is sad, but it all makes for a great story.” ~ Amazon reader.

“Great plot and characters. Some tears for those who are sensitive but great enjoyment at the end.” ~ Amazon reader.

“Very intriguing Austen-esque novel with well developed characters and story line. The best historical romance novel I've read in a while.” ~ Amazon reader.

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What readers say:

“She's torn between being able to love her son, and being able to love Rufus. Some of what happens is amusing and some is sad, but it all makes for a great story.” ~ Amazon reader.

“Great plot and characters. Some tears for those who are sensitive but great enjoyment at the end.” ~ Amazon reader.

“Very intriguing Austen-esque novel with well developed characters and story line. The best historical romance novel I've read in a while.” ~ Amazon reader.

Read for free in KU or get it on Amazon HERE.

The Accidental Elopement

Friends at seven, lovers at seventeen, Katherine and Jack were meant to be together.

But when a tragic mistake results in marriage to the wrong man for Katherine, a heartbroken Jack heads to foreign lands to make his fortune.

Now Jack is returning and Katherine is a widow, eagerly awaiting the only man she’s ever loved.

Experience has taught her to value even more his qualities of honour and bravery, while his humour and playfulness are ever on her mind, a counterpoint to her years of living with a humourless husband.

But to Katherine’s dismay, she learns that Jack is returning with his betrothed, a woman he agreed to marry abroad.

Katherine knows Jack can’t possibly love this woman as he’d loved her. She also knows she has the power to win him back. But Jack has equally compelling reasons for going forward with the betrothal he contracted in the West Indies.

Will love or honour prevail?

This is Book 4 of the Scandalous Miss Brightwells series though it can be read as a standalone.

What readers are saying:

"This book kept me hanging until the very last page... but the agony of not knowing the twists and turns until they were on me made it the most splendid adventure."

"Great plot and characters which will keep you turning pages. Hope there are more to come."

If you love your romance sprinkled with scandal, sizzle and with a wicked twist at the end, you’ll love The Accidental Elopement.

Order Here

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What’s a girl to do when she has no money but must marry well?

When her father has died a debtor and her reprobate brother is intent on gambling away what little else remains?

When her feather-brained sister risks the family reputation by succumbing to any lure cast her way?

Why, her mother, Lady Brightwell, has just the plan! Her intelligent, beautiful daughter is to be sacrificed to a lecherous baron with gout and carbuncles in order to keep the family in the manner to which they’ve become accustomed.

Only, there’s the rub.

Lady Brightwell’s daughter Fanny might be intelligent and beautiful. But she’s also rebellious, clever and strong-willed.

And when her passionate heart is brought to life by a chance encounter with a dashing viscount, the fact he’s looking for a wealthy bride is of no account.

This is the story of Fanny's perilous gamble amidst a London season's offerings of debutantes with far greater address - but far less cunning - for the ultimate prize: dashing, delicious, dazzling Lord Fenton.

Sit back and enjoy this racy, Regency romp but do ensure your smelling salts are at hand - because Fanny Brightwell is prepared to risk everything to save herself from a lifetime attending to Great Aunt Seraphina's chilblains or massaging lecherous Lord Slyther’s gargantuan ego – amongst other things.

Book 1: Rake's Honour
Book 2: Rogue's Kiss
Book 3: Devil's Run
Book 4: The Accidental Elopement

What readers are saying:

"Steamy and passionate... A good light-hearted read." ~ Amazon reader

"A fast-paced story, filled with humour, sexual attraction, love and desperation. The first in a series of novels set in a time when chastity and honour were everything." ~ Amazon reader.

Available here.

An heiress in need of rescuing

Heiress to a fortune, Lizzy Scott wants nothing more than to make a love match.

But her controlling guardian, Mrs Hodge, has other plans. She's promised Lizzy to dashing fortune hunter Mr Dalgleish in exchange for a portion of Lizzy's inheritance.

While Lizzy knows Mr Dalgleish is only after her money, he is also charming and persuasive. And he’s her best hope to escape the cruelty of Mrs Hodge's household.

A fortune hunter in need of atonement

With his reputation in tatters, the last thing self-confessed fortune hunter Theo McAlister needs is another heiress complicating his life.

When Miss Lizzy Scott suddenly becomes his responsibility after he rescues her from a carriage accident en route to a house party, Theo is determined to return her to her guardian so he can continue what has become his life’s mission: to atone for his past.

But when sparks fly and attraction sizzles between the innocent debutante and the jaded man-about-town, Theo must decide what is more important: Love? Or restoring his reputation?

Read The Scandalous Fortune Hunter for a roller-coaster ride through the twists and turns of thwarted newfound love, coercion and desperate choices.

Warning: This sweet to sensual story contains humour, some clever matchmaking and a very eager and inexperienced heroine.

Release Date: July 7, 2020

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Widowed Sebastian Wells has spent a year searching tirelessly for the girl he was forced to give up after honour required him to wed another.

When he discovers Venetia working as a lowly companion to the exacting Dowager Duchess Lady Indigo at a Christmas house party he’s attending, their secret rendezvous turns scorching.

But Sebastian’s hostesses, the scandalous Brightwell sisters, have paired him up with a lively, golden-haired debutante they believe will be his perfect match. And this young lady is determined to make everyone believe the lie.

Will honour once again compel Sebastian to act against the desires of his heart?

The Courtship Caper is Book 6 in the Scandalous Miss Brightwell series but can be read as a standalone.

What is the series about?

Two irrepressible sisters who have made rags-to-riches matches set about finding the perfect match for every deserving being who cross their orbits - with often disastrous results!

Other books in the series

Rake's Honour (#1)
Rogue's Kiss (#2)
The Wedding Wager (#3)
The Accidental Elopement (#4)
The Honourable Fortune Hunter (#5)
The Courtship Caper (#6)
The Wilful Widow (#7)

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Read The Courtship Caper for free in Kindle Unlimited, or get it at your Amazon store, here.

1827 ~ A shy seven-year-old’s inventive plan to derail her mother’s fifth wedding causes mayhem at Countess Quamby’s country-house party near Bath.

Another matchmaking tale from the Scandalous Miss Brightwells series!

Wicked and lively Fanny and Antoinette Brightwell have made spectacular marriages—despite scandals and the treachery of a disappointed suitor determined to besmirch their reputations.

Now it’s their children’s turn to play matchmaker after a deserving, much-married baroness waltzes into their orbit – about to marry the wrong man.

Antics abound as three determined youngsters work creatively together to ensure the 5th golden ring that is slipped onto pretty, widowed Baroness Highcliff’s left hand is from the man she should have married first!

This sweet tear-jerker second-chance romance reminds us that young hearts and minds are often wiser than we imagine. Get your copy now!

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Read an extract here.

Saving Grace

Grace Fortune trusts no one after she was betrayed by the man she once loved.

Now, she's the most popular 'Cyprian' at Madame Chambon's high-class London House of Assignation, consort of aristocrats and princes.

As Faith prepares for her next job as the special initiation ‘gift’ procured by a mother in fashionable Mayfair for her son’s twenty-first birthday, she plans her revenge.

But revenge has a habit of turning the tables.

What the Readers are Saying:

“Writer was able to get a 7-course meal into a sandwich sized novel. It was exciting and emotional. Sexy and romantic.”

“This is one of the most interesting stories on why a girl might become an escort.. The twists and turns are breathtaking...I couldn't put this down.”

“Oh my! This story just makes you fall in love! It's exciting. It never lags. And what a most satisfying ending!”

(This book was originally published by Pan Macmillan Momentum and has since been revised.)

Heat Rate: Sizzling

Read for FREE on Kindle Unlimited or buy here.

Honour? Or her heart's desire?

When Felix discovers the divine "Miss Hope" in his bed, his betrayal is acute.

Two years ago, he’d been on the verge of proposing to the beautiful governess who had taught his neighbour’s children. Ignoring his family’s objections, he’d been determined to make her an honourable offer.

But Hope had suddenly vanished.

Now, to Felix’s shock and dismay, Hope is the surprise gift his friends have sourced from London's most exclusive House of Assignation in the hopes of lifting his dark depression.

Despite the pain of the past, Felix can't bear to lose her again.

But Hope Merriweather is bound to her new life by a dark secret. She sacrificed Felix two years before.

Now, she must choose again: Honour or her heart's desire?

For readers who love second chance love stories with a happily-ever-after they didn't see coming.

Forsaking Hope is Book 2 in the Fair Cyprians of London Series but can be read as a standalone.

Read Forsaking Hope for FREE in Kindle Unlimited HERE

Read in paperback HERE

(or order from your local library)

Here's what the readers say:

"The characters in this book were outstanding and I could not put the book down. I thought Saving Grace was good but this one was better. I believe in am in for a treat when I read Faith's tale next. This series is a must-read."

"So very different from most of the historical romance books I've read. Well written with plot twists and hinting, but not quite divulging, what is the behind cause. Truly enjoyed this book."

"A nice short read, the characters were well developed. The storyline and pace ... has you glued to the book from beginning to end."

And in Paperback

Revenge is sweet until it breaks your heart.

Falsely accused of stealing, Faith is given two choices: Fend for herself on the streets of London, or become indentured to Madame Chambon, the ruthless proprietor of London's most exclusive brothel.

In order to survive, Faith submits to the machinations of a mysterious benefactress and begins a new life under Madame Chambon’s roof. However, she does not live like the other girls.

Rather, she's taught the theory of how to entrance London’s noble gentlemen with her learning in philosophy, politics and art.

Her body is to be saved for the greatest enticement of all: revenge.

Faith doesn’t care what she has to do. She lives only to fulfil a bargain that will set her free.

But when Faith is recruited as the muse of a talented, sensitive painter whose victory in a prestigious art competition turns them both into celebrities overnight, she discovers the reasons behind her mission are very different from what she'd been led to believe.

Now she is complicit in something dark and dangerous while riches, adulation and freedom are hers for the taking.

But what value are these if her heart has become a slave to the honorable man she is required to destroy?

Keeping Faith is book 3 in the Fair Cyprians of London series but can be read as a stand-alone.

Read for FREE in Kindle Unlimited HERE

Read in Paperback HERE

(or order it from your local library).

Here's what the readers say:

“Thank you for completely following this story through all of the twists and turns until it reached it's natural conclusion. My biggest lament of historical romance is that many of the endings are rushed to reach their happy conclusions. "

"A well-written story with realistic characters. The plot is engaging with plenty of twists and turns in it. It really pulls you into the book quickly and completely."

"What a story! This is a genuine page turner that I couldn't put down! It was very emotional at times."

A heartfelt, sizzling Victorian romance with a note of redemption that'll please even the cynics.

Read an Extract

Wedding Violet

Abandoned at the altar, Max, Lord Belvedere believes he’s evaded family obligation in favour of a life of adventuring in Africa. But his ailing Aunt Euphemia has other ideas.

When Max finds himself in the delightfully diverting arms of Violet Lilywhite while visiting London’s most prestigious House of Assignation, he happens upon the perfect plan. A sham wedding to a ‘penniless shop girl’ should fulfil Aunt Euphemia’s romantic dreams without losing him his newfound liberty.

Violet agrees to the deception with no hesitation. Lord Belvedere is certainly the most charming and surprising of all her male consorts but she has no illusions about a shared future. She wants only to escape the clutches of infamous Madame Chambon.

The plan appears perfect until Max and Violet find themselves falling in love.

Can Max give up his plans for freedom in an exciting new land? Or is freedom to be found in the arms of the woman he loves?

Read for Free in Kindle Unlimited HERE

Read it in paperback  on Amazon HERE

Or order it from The Book Depository HERE

(or order from your local library).

What Readers Say About the Series:

“Writer was able to get a 7-course meal into a sandwich sized novel. It was exciting and emotional. Sexy and romantic.”

“This is one of the most interesting stories on why a girl might become an escort.. The twists and turns are breathtaking...I couldn't put this down.”

“Oh my! This story just makes you fall in love ! It's exciting. It never lags. And what a most satisfying ending!”

Read an Extract

Christmas Charity

Reluctant courtesan, Charity, has found true love with Hugo, her first and only client. But when poet and artist, Hugo, is tricked into gambling away his impending inheritance, Charity finds herself at the mercy of Madam Chambon and her infamous house of ill-repute.

What the Readers Say:

"The beginning of this book starts with the tail end of a racy scene, and given that this book is about the relationship between a woman in a brothel and her gentleman protector, you might be given to think that all the book would be a bit saucy. But it truly is not. Rather, this unlikely kind-hearted pair has actually fallen in love over the course of their 2-year relationship, but they are about to be tried in the worst way as forces seek to separate them for their own nefarious purposes." ~ Kindle Reader.

"I loved the twists in this book; they wove a beautiful story. This well-written gem is well worth the time you spend reading I highly recommend it." ~ Kindle Reader.

Read an extract:

His hand stilled and grew heavy on Charity’s breast.

Charity glanced up at him.

“My darling, I have to tell you something.”

The languorous contentment of just now was swept away by something difficult to read as his eyes clouded and his sweet gentle mouth formed a tight line. Raising her hand to his lips, he kissed her fingertips then sat up and swung his legs over the bed, hunched forwards and frowning as he clearly weighed up his next words.

The silence was heavy with portent. Charity braced herself as she watched him struggle. Her throat felt thick and it was suddenly difficult to breathe.  Of course, it had been too good to be true. The man who’d taken her virginity; who’d kept coming back and whom she loved, now, with all her heart, was about to end the dream that she’d ever escape Madame Chambon’s. His next words would destroy the illusion that love was possible for a girl who’d sunk as low as she had.

He twisted around, his expression torn, as if he didn’t know whether to comfort her — for he extended his arm then dropped it — or keep the explanation short and brutal.

“Just tell me and don’t spare my feelings,” Charity muttered, balling her hands into fists as she lay rigidly on her back and stared between Hugo and the ceiling.

If she could only put up the casing to protect her heart that the other girls all described as their best defence in such moments, she might survive this but, truly, her heart had always been utterly unguarded with Hugo. He’d been such a loyal companion these past eighteen months. A true and loving companion who’d not stinted when it came to showing her in every way how much she meant to him.

Whereas she, Charity, had so little to offer in return.

Just her love, loyalty, and eternal gratitude.

And her body.

It was not a comforting reflection though, in truth, she couldn’t see how else she’d have managed if she hadn’t been taken in by Madame Chambon.

A girl had to make some hard decisions if she weren’t to starve.

He swallowed, his face grey and drawn as he traced the outline of a flower on the counterpane. Or perhaps it was Charity’s face, or her shoulder, or breast. Hugo had sketched just about every part of Charity with as much loving detail as he fashioned the words of the love poems which accompanied each drawing and poem he gave to her.

“Charity, I’m ruined.”

End of Extract

Kidnapped from the lunatic asylum in Brussels where she was despatched by her husband two years earlier, Lily, Lady Bradden, has more at stake than just proving her sanity.

With no friends or support, her survival depends upon pleasing her abductor with her success at “communicating with the dead” at Mrs Moore’s Wednesday seances.

While Lily’s strong resemblance to the deceased daughter of a nobleman draws the crowds, the attendance of several murder suspects at her séances garners the interest of principled newspaper editor, Hamish McTavish.

Is the mysterious and enigmatic beauty complicit in the scam?

Hamish’s sizzling attraction to her complicates his investigation while her hot and cold responses to him undermines his trust.

As intrigue and deceit embroil Lily, she fears she is destined to be the next murder victim.

But just as she is ready to reveal her heart to Hamish, Lily realises she has been set up to appear the villain in his eyes.

Loving Lily is Book 6 in the Fair Cyprians of London series but can be read as a standalone romance.

Read for Free in Kindle Unlimited - or get it from Amazon now, and save on the pre-order price. Releases May 31.

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The Duchess and the Highwayman

A duchess disguised as a lady’s maid; a gentleman parading as a highwayman. She’s on the run from a murderer, he’s in pursuit of one.

Married off at a young age to a brutal nobleman, Phoebe, Lady Cavanaugh, longs for love—and enters into a risky affair. Framed for her husband’s murder, she flees wearing only a blood-stained chemise and is rescued by a handsome ‘highwayman’ who believes she’s Lady Cavanaugh’s maidservant.

Hugh Redding has his own reasons for hunting the man whose mission is to see the infamous and elusive Murdering Duchess hanged for murder. And Phoebe, the 'maidservant with aspirations above her station’ might prove the very weapon he needs—once he teaches her how to behave like a lady.

Only when Phoebe mysteriously disappears does Hugh realise the real identity of the spirited wench he’d set out to tame—and the danger she's in.

Burdened by the knowledge of his unwitting role in placing Phoebe in mortal peril, Hugh must now polish his skills as a gentleman, not only to save Phoebe from the gallows, but to win back her heart.

What the Readers Say:

"The plot is fast-paced and the heat level was to my taste. A good read in my opinion." ~ Amazon reader

“Poor Phoebe. Framed for murder, she flees her home…and ends up as a highwayman's mistress. Her life has hit a downward spiral. When she's at rock bottom, all she can rely on is her lover. But will he believe her innocent or condemn her like everyone else?

The story highlighted a women's role in chauvinistic times and is a strong social commentary.” ~ Kindle Reader

“Story appeals if you enjoy many twists and turns with a heart bounding finish. Pick up today and start your adventure now!” ~ Kindle Reader

Read for free in Kindle Unlimited here.

Or in paperback here.

With a murderer hot on her heels, becoming the greatest treasure in a bored aristocrat's collection may be Jemima's only hope of survival.

Bluestocking Jemima Percy owes her life to the brave nobleman who plucked her from the arms of a ruthless killer.

But now he, too, is dead and she’s alone and friendless, fearful of putting her family in jeopardy if she contacts them before the killer is apprehended.

If only Jemima had been able to locate her rescuer’s younger brother, she would not have been forced to sacrifice her reputation in exchange for her life.

Miles, Lord Ruthcot, is determined to shed his image as a dissolute rake following his failure to rescue an unknown damsel in distress, as requested by his dying elder brother.

However, when he meets the exquisite new mistress of his late brother’s rival, he no longer cares about upholding his new notions of honour and respectability.

He wants Jemima and he’ll do whatever it takes to possess her.

But Jemima is a bluestocking at heart.

Even if her heart and body are in danger of betraying her steely resolve, she is determined to hold handsome Viscount Ruthcot at bay.

Read The Bluestocking and the Rake to find out if Miles learns the truth of Jemima’s identity in time to protect her from the evil forces that threaten her life.

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Duchess of Seduction

Cressida must learn the skills of a courtesan and the cunning of a spy-master to regain her once-devoted husband's affections. Cressida, Lady Lovett, believes her reluctance in the bedchamber—caused by a brush with death during her last childbirth—has driven her husband into another woman's arms.

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Midnight Enchantment

Sequel to Her Valentine’s Secret, which appears in the Valentine’s Day Anthology.

Lady Athelton’s St Valentine’s Ball should have been a time for love, not vengeance, as the once carefree Lisette plots the demise of the man she once loved. Lucien Monteil might now be the darling of post-revolutionary France but Lisette knows he betrayed her family and sent her father to the guillotine.

If only the reawakening of long dormant feelings for the handsome viscomte didn’t threaten Lisette’s determination to achieve that which her father was denied: justice. If only justice didn’t come at the cost of her heart.

Forced to wed against her will at seventeen, beautiful Elizabeth Drummond’s loyalties are tested eight years later when her husband is imprisoned by the Royalist lover she was forced to surrender through duty.

Drummond Castle, home of staunch Puritan Silas Drummond and his beautiful wife Elizabeth, has been besieged by Royalist forces.

When the Commander of the hated King’s Men agrees to spare Silas’s life in return for a night with Elizabeth, she agrees.

Elizabeth may have been forced by her father to wed the cold-hearted Puritan, but an honourable wife will do whatever is within her power to save her husband.

But second-in-command Charles Trethveyan has other ideas. Eight years before, he and Elizabeth had been deeply in love. He’s not forgotten Elizabeth’s betrayal in relinquishing him to marry Silas.

When Elizabeth discovers that her former Cavalier lover has taken the place of his superior, and that she will spend the night with the man she’s never stopped loving, she realises she is treading a delicate tightrope.

Is Charles motivated by love or revenge? How much does Silas know and guess?

Whichever way she responds to Charles, her actions will have devastating consequences.

The Countess and the Cavalier is the fourth book in the Hearts in Hiding series but can be read on its own.

♥♥♥ Warning: This steamy, passionate romance about revenge and forgiveness will have you on the edge of your seat and reaching for the tissue box. ♥♥♥

Drummond Castle has just been overrun by the 'enemy' and my heroine makes a bargain with the Commander of the King's Men:

“You promise to guarantee my husband’s life?” she whispered. “In writing?”
Reynolds nodded, his pen still poised above the paper. “In writing. With all my men as witnesses. Tomorrow your husband will walk out of Drummond Castle, with this paper guaranteeing his free passage, if you agree to my proposition. And so will you, depending on your willingness, Lady Drummond.”
Elizabeth was conscious of Silas’ pent-up hatred. Reynolds’ supercilious smile filled her with a similar emotion. She dared not trust him but they were helpless. Icily, she said, “Allow me five minutes alone with my dear husband so I can persuade him of the merits of this bargain.”
“A final tender moment between the two of you seems fitting.”
Above her husband’s roared objection, Elizabeth inclined her head. “You are accountable to a great many men, Captain Reynolds.”
She caught Silas’ look, mad with rage. “Do not do this to save me, wife, for I’d rather be dead than the husband of a whore to this…”
Nettled, she managed coolly, “And I’d rather see you walk free tonight so you can fight another day and our children will still have a father when this war is over.”
“The agreement is between your wife and myself.” Reynolds looked at Silas with contempt. “I’d throw you to the wolves if I could.”
They all turned at the sound of desultory clapping.
A man appeared from the darkened outer reaches of the room, raising his head, which caught the light from beneath the shadow of his broad-brimmed hat. Like Reynolds’, his hair was light and curling, but it was his own rather than a wig and he was a little younger. Judging by the fine silk and leather of his clothes, he was clearly of similar rank.
“If now is the time for bargains,” he said, crisply, “let me propose one of my own.”
The look in Reynolds’ eye made plain that he half expected what it might be, and that he was not pleased.
“Captain Charles Trethveyan at your service.” The newcomer rose from his bow with a flourish, his smile trained on Elizabeth, who lowered her head, more terrified than she had been hitherto of anything else that the fierce pounding of her heart and the fire in her cheeks would betray her. To her husband, most of all.
She could not look at Charles, though her initial glimpse of him showed him to be as handsome as she remembered. His physique was stronger now that he was a man, and his jaw had firmed, but his mouth was curved in just that half ironic way she remembered so well. Her heart thudded to the pit of her stomach. Had he just arrived? Did he know he’d find her here? A million unanswered questions crowded her brain, pushing aside her concern for her husband’s fate and the implications of the bargain she’d just made with Reynolds.
The two Cavaliers were engaged in low dialogue. Silas’ shoulders heaved beneath his suppressed emotion. He knew exactly who Charles Trethveyan was. That he was the suitor over whom Elizabeth had waged a long and protracted battle with her father.
He wouldn’t know that it was his image Elizabeth conjured up every night to block out the unpleasant reality of her husband. The cold hard truth was, however, that Charles had not been there when she’d needed him.
The reflection enabled her to finally look at him as he and Reynolds continued their discussion, terminated abruptly by Reynolds’ harsh tones.
“Another time, Trethveyan!” Reynolds rose swiftly, closing the distance between him and Elizabeth as he thrust the signed parchment at her. “Our agreement in writing. Now, I’m tired and hungry and I have no wish to entertain company.” His tone was churlish though he darted a calculated glance in Silas’ direction as he added, “I wish to rest as I’ll need all my energy for tonight.” He clapped his hands. “Take them away. Separate quarters for both of them.”
“You granted my request for five minutes with my husband,” Elizabeth reminded him, stepping forward.
He waved at one of the guards. “Five minutes—that’s all.”

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