Merriam Everett overhears a handsome rogue dismiss her as
forgettable and not worthy of a second glance. She knows
Society perceives her as a shy widow or, as her late father
nicknamed her, "a timid mouse." Married at a young age to
settle her father's debt, Merriam's older husband required
a biddable wife, which she became. But no longer will she
fade into the woodwork. Fury governs Merriam as she rejects
the rake and Society. The mouse, with the help from an
unusual friend, transforms herself into a beguiling cat at
a masquerade ball where she plans to seduce the rake.
Instead, Merriam seduces the wrong man.
Drake Sotherton, the Duke of Sussex, returns to England
from his self-imposed exile following his wife's murder.
Drake plans vengeance on the man he believes killed her.
Attending a masquerade ball, a masked temptress engages
Drake in a memorable interlude. When he uncovers her
identity, Drake thinks Merriam is involved with his enemy.
Changing his strategy, Drake plans to dangle Merriam before
his nemesis, hoping jealousy will cause his enemy to make a
mistake. Keeping Merriam close, he promises her a decadent
Season as his mistress.
Merriam enters the arrangement knowing her quiet life will
cease to exist, but the temptation is too great. Drake
desires her as no one has before. Falling for Drake would
be a mistake, but one she makes as their erotic interludes
proceed. She hopes he will forget his past and embrace a
future with her.
Ms. Bernard's debut novel is filled with steamy and erotic
scenes. The plot is solid and the ending holds many
surprises. She intrigues readers further with tantalizing
glimpses into the lives of two secondary characters who
will be in her next historical novel.
Merriam Everett has always been regarded as a shy, docile
creature. But for one night, Merriam the Mouse has become
a temptress who will recklessly take her pleasure with the
arrogant earl who once slighted her, and then leave him
aching with lust. A fine plan, if Merriam had not just
seduced the wrong rogue!
Drake Sotherton left England amid dark speculation and has
returned to seek vengeance against Julian Clay, the man he
believes murdered his wife. Convinced that the masked
beauty who seduced him is Julian's pawn, Drake tracks her
down and proposes that she become his mistress for the
Season. Every sensual desire, every secret longing will be
explored...and fulfilled.
But keeping his enemy close is a dangerous game. Merriam
is an irresistible mix of innocence and abandon, and each
encounter proves more soul-searing than the last. With a
passion this wild, this wonderful, one Season will never
be enough....