Emily Barnett arrives on the doorstep of Earl Michael Farrow in the middle of the night for what she believes is an interview for the position of governess. It's her first attempt to get a job, so she doesn't question the unusual time of the interview or the hostility of the earl's butler. While waiting her turn, she helps herself to cup after cup of spiked punch, so by the time she meets the earl, she's well and truly drunk. Left to sleep it off, Emily awakens to witness an attempted reconciliation between the earl and his soon-to-be ex-mistress.

Horrified by what the innocent Miss Barnett has witnessed, Michael offers her the job of governess to his soon-to-be- arriving wards, Pamela and Margaret. While Emily longs to decline his offer, when he offers board for her sister and niece, she accepts the job and the three women move in with Michael and his younger brother.

It isn't long before Michael offers the original job of mistress to Emily, and she accepts. Each is reluctant to admit the depth of their feelings, and their love is soon tested by enemies from their past and present.

Holt's TOO HOT TO HANDLE is a spicy, hilarious battle of the sexes, Regency style. Michael and his brother have met their match in the delightful Barnett sisters. Neither believes they're deserving of a woman's love and devotion, and the sisters are determined to prove to them they're worthy of that, and more. This is the first Holt novel I've read, but it certainly won't be the last!