Lady Eleanor Griffin notes a pattern in her life. When she
attempts to have fun, her brothers immediately squash it
with lectures on propriety and the need to protect the 800-
year-old Griffin name from scandal. Since she's had several
seasons, Eleanor has no illusions why most men court her --
she bears a distinguished name and is an heiress. However,
before she settles down, Eleanor wants to experience an
adventure and taste a small amount of freedom. Declaring
her independence, Eleanor strikes a bargain with her
brothers. They will not intimidate her and Eleanor promises
not to bring scandal upon them.
Valentine, the Marquis of Deverill, devotes his life to his
hedonistic lifestyle. Before succumbing to syphilis, his
father taught him that women are schemers and manipulators
to be bedded, not befriended. Valentine's liaisons are
legendary, as he casts his green-eyed gaze upon women,
making them feel wicked and wanton. When his good friend,
Sebastian, the Duke of Melbourne, asks him to keep an eye
on his sister and become her mentor and companion in "sin,"
Valentine is forced by obligation to agree. He befriends
Eleanor and is surprised at the result.
Eleanor's rebellion consists of intangible desires that
intrigue Valentine. Soon, Valentine, the teacher of sin, is
caught in Eleanor's passion for life. But can the sinner
convince the innocent to trust him with her heart?
Ms. Enoch begins a new Regency series starring the Griffin
family. Eleanor's story should catch readers' fancy with a
heroine filled with boundless curiosity, who teaches a
scoundrel to open his heart.
Unfortunately Eleanor Griffin has three strapping brothers
to frighten away any beau they deem unsuitable. She knows
she’s expected to marry eventually -- probably to some
staid, crusty old lord -- but until that dark day dawns,
Nell intends to enjoy herself. However, brother Sebastian,
Duke of Melbourne, isn't about to let his sister run
completely wild, and asks his best friend, the Marquis of
Deverill, to keep a close eye on the spirited lovely.
Could any chaperone be less qualified -- yet more
appreciated -- than Valentine Corbett? Here is a man as
sinful as he is attractive, a notorious rake, gambler,and
pursuer of women whom Nell has fancied since girlhood.
Alas, the irresistible rogue seems uncharacteristically
determined to be honorable, despite the passionate longing
in his gaze. And Nell must tread carefully, for she has
promised to immediately wed whomever her siblings choose
should so much as a hint of scandal arise . . .