On the run from her brother who wishes to control her
inheritance, Kate Simon disguises herself as a lad and
takes temporary work at a roadside inn. As a fierce
snowstorm descends upon the countryside, stranding the
guests, a murder is committed at the inn. A devil-may-care
gentleman takes charge of the investigation, demanding Kate
assist him. Realizing he's seen through her disguise, Kate
cannot refuse his request. Unable to obtain justice for
herself, Kate seizes the opportunity to find the killer and
have some semblance of justice achieved.
Christian Black, the Earl of Canley, arrives at the inn
ready to retrieve a damaging journal stolen from his best
friend by a sleazy journalist. If reprinted, it will
destroy his friend's reputation along with what is left of
his. Masquerading as a commoner, he wheedles accommodations
from the innkeeper to let him share with another guest, a
lad. However, one look at the lad and Christian sees
through his disguise. After obtaining the journal,
the "lad" might prove to be an interesting diversion.
A murder upsets his plans to retrieve the journal, but ever
adaptable, Christian declares he's a Bow Street Runner.
It's a perfect masquerade enabling him to search for the
missing journal. Christian does not expect Kate to take up
the mystery with such enthusiasm. She infects him with her
zeal, defeating his usual cynicism. Working together to
solve the mystery, desire and attraction bloom, but they
both have secrets that could destroy their future.
Ms. Mallory whips up an outrageously fun and clever romp
filled with delightful characters. It has the perfect blend
of mystery and romance to give readers an entertaining
read.
Facing the choice of flight or a wedding she cannot abide,
Kate Simon has chosen to flee. Disguised as a boy, she
takes refuge in a roadside inn, and finds herself rooming
with intensely secretive Christian Black. Kate is
breathless in the presence of this handsome, mysterious
rogue whose piercing gaze seems to strip her naked. But
neither suspects that a savage storm and a murder will
draw them closer together still. But not the passion in
their hearts
Christian dares not let anyone learn of his haunted past—
or that he is, in truth, the Earl of Canley—especially not
a slip of a girl whose masculine attire cannot disguise
the exquisite female form beneath. But now that destiny
and a dastardly crime have united them, Christian can no
longer contain his desire to taste the nectar of Kate's
sweet kiss. Danger certainly abounds, but the gravest
peril might be resisting a once-in-a-lifetime passion that
can heal all wounds.