After three years, Carolyn Turner, the Viscountess of Wingate, still grieves over the death of her husband. At the urging of her sister, Carolyn re-enters society by joining her sister's book club, the Ladies Literary Society, who read forbidden books. Their latest is "Memoirs of a Mistress." Reading the erotic passages brings back the desire that Carolyn thought was dead. Those passionate feelings fill her head after meeting one of her husband's friends, Daniel, at a masquerade ball.
Daniel, Lord Surbrook, fell in lust with Carolyn before her marriage to his best friend. When he meets her again, he discovers his lustful thoughts have not changed. However, Daniel has no interest in marriage. Society and Carolyn see an idle aristocrat who engages in casual affairs and always continues a friendship after the encounter is over. Daniel has cultivated that image. He does not want it known that he gives second chances to injured and abandoned animals and down-on-their-luck individuals.
Carolyn engages in a passionate affair with Daniel that makes her feel alive. His devilish charms capture her heart and she realizes she wants marriage. Unable to continue without exposing her heart, Carolyn ends the affair, causing Daniel to re-evaluate his life.
Inspired by the Pygmalion story, Ms. D'Alessandro transforms Carolyn from a grieving woman with no interest in life to a vibrant woman who finds she can love again. Daniel ignites Caroline and the result is a life-changing experience for him.
Carolyn Turner, Viscountess Wingate, is absolutely shocked by the Ladies Literary Society of London's latest selection. Memoirs of a Mistress is scandalously explicit and downright wicked . . . and it's stirring feelings within Carolyn that she hasn't felt . . . well, ever! She's sure that this steamy read is the only reason she's succumbing to the charms of notorious rogue Daniel Sutton, Lord Surbrooke. She couldn't possibly be falling for the rascal and his illicit caresses . . . or could she?
The last thing Daniel wanted was to be shackled by marriage vows. He lusted after Carolyn, sure, but he never imagined that once he lured her to his bed he'd never want to let her go. Yet only when a murderer targets his beloved will he be spurred to confess his true love . . . and claim Carolyn as his bride.
βGood evening, my lady.β
Carolyn turned, and realized that even if she hadnβt known
Lord Surbrookeβs voice, she would have known his eyes.
They gazed at her through a black mask that covered the
entire upper half of his face with the same heated
intensity that stole the air from her lungs every time he
looked at her. Sheβd have known his mouth as well. Not
only because it was perfectly formed, the bottom lip
slightly fuller than the upper, but because of how one
corner tilted upward, skewing all that perfection with a
hint of lopsidedness that shouldnβt have been attractive
but was. Annoyingly so.
Her gaze skimmed over his all black highwayman costume. He
looked tall and dark and dangerous--as if he were prepared
to abscond with whatever might take his fancy and the
consequences be damned. A thrill she couldnβt name raced
through her.
βRather than good evening, shouldnβt you say βstand and
deliverβ?β she retorted, proud that she sounded so calm
when she suddenly felt anything but.
He made her a formal bow. βOf course. Although by βstand
and deliverβ I actually mean βmay I have this danceβ?β
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