Waiting patiently in the library of her estranged husband's London home, Lady Claire Lyons, didn't know what to expect when Morgan, the eighth Earl of Westcliffe, finally would see her. She knew that anger was a possibility, but she was totally unprepared for how happy the sight of his rakish looks made her feel.
Despite his churlish remarks and behavior, Claire is prepared to stand her ground. She is no longer the timid girl Morgan had so severely rejected on their wedding night when he saw his younger brother, Stephen, crawl into bed with her. He didn't give them the opportunity to explain then, but she now needs to resume her place with him as his wife. Her father is ready to marry off her younger sister, Beth, to a horrid older gent unless Beth finds herself a husband and she only has one short season in which to do it.
Furious at her arrival and still boiling from her betrayal three years earlier, Morgan storms off to his club only to encounter his younger brother, Ainsley, who nonchalantly ignores his glaring eyes and gives him other thoughts to ponder about Claire. Realizing he needs to help Claire for her sister's sake, he grudgingly agrees to let her stay, but then finds himself more attracted to this stronger and more determined Claire than he ever imagined. Can Claire convince him of her innocence and get to stay in London as his wife in more than name only or will he reject her completely this time?
For her part, Morgan's mistress, Lady Anne, loves her baubles and the expensive jewelry she gets from the Earl. She is definitely not happy to learn that Claire is now in residence. Will the spiteful Lady Anne be willing to potentially lose Morgan when she is so close to winning her bet that she could be the only London beauty to stop his notorious desire for seeking new mistresses?
With tremendous skill and talent, Lorraine Heath has launched a powerful new series, London's Greatest Lovers, about three brothers with differing status. While intriguing as a stand alone romance, I am thrilled that this is the start of a powerful series that is sure to be addictive. It has everything I appreciate in a Regency Romance -- a well constructed plot, strong and likable characters, misunderstandings, power differentials, sibling rivalry, duty, and fidelity (or lack thereof)! This is one fast paced, witty and wily romance you will not want to miss!
Known throughout the city for his prowess in the bedroom,
Morgan Lyons, Eighth Earl of Westcliffe, cannot forgive an
unpardonable affront to his honor. Discovering his young
bride in the arms of his brother was a staggering blow --
so he banished the beautiful deceiver to the country and
devoted himself entirely to the pursuit of carnal
pleasure.
Claire Lyons was an innocent, frightened girl of 17 on her
wedding day, seeking chaste comfort from a childhood
friend. Now three years later, she has blossomed
magnificently. Still innocent, she has returned to London
with one goal in mind: the seduction of her notorious
husband. Unskilled in the sensual arts, she burns
nonetheless for the kisses too long denied her. And now
she has but one Season to win back the heart of the rogue
she betrayed.
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