Handsome but unconventional Samuel Hartley and his sister,
Rebecca, have arrived in London in 1764 on the pretext of
attending to Sam's import business. Sam's true motive is
uncovering the informant who caused the death of nearly all
the men of the 28th Regiment six years previous during the
war in the Colonies. The men Sam led in war have accused
him of running from the massacre and labeled him a coward.
Upon arriving in Boston, Sam and Rebecca meet the
sophisticated widow, Lady Emeline Gordon, and her young
son, Daniel. Emeline's brother, Reynaud, was one of the
soldiers killed in the massacre. Emeline guides young
proper ladies of the elite social circles of London into
society. Sam, attending London's grand balls in moccasins,
has complete disregard for London social standards. Even
though he and Emeline are from completely different
classes, they soon are unable to deny their attraction to
each other and engage in steamy, sensual sex.
Mr. Thornton, who Sam is convinced is the informant he's
seeking, kidnaps Emeline and Rebecca when he discovers that
Sam knows the truth. As Thornton attempts to smuggle the
women to India, Sam arrives just before they board the ship
and a battle ensues. The question now is whether Sam can
convince Emeline to disregard London's society standards
and marry someone of a lower class.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story of action, mystery and
steamy romance. Elizabeth Hoyt has woven together an
interesting tale involving different social acceptances and
backgrounds and made it all work. The story follows the
Legend of the Four Soldiers. Her love scenes are scorching
hot and very explicit. Hang on to your seats and have a
cold glass of water handy. It's a book that's hard to put
down as it really keeps you focused and interested. I look
forward to the rest of this exciting series.
The ton loves nothing more than a good scandal, and
they're giddy with the appearance of wealthy Samuel Hartley.
Not only is he self-made, American, and in the habit of
wearing moccasins, but he is also notorious for
fleeing a battle in which several English gentlemen lost
their lives. What the ton doesn't know, though, is that
Samuel is in London because of
this massacre. He believes his regiment was given up to the
enemy and won't rest until he finds the traitor.
Lady
Emeline Gordon is captivated with Samuel. Not only does he
defy convention with his unusual dress, his sensual smile,
and his forthright manner, but he survived the battle that
killed her beloved brother. Samuel suspects that the person
responsible for her brother's death is Jasper Renshaw,
Viscount Vale, a family friend since childhood--and
Emeline's fiance. Despite Emeline's belief in Vale's
innocence and her refusal to break off her betrothal, she
and Samuel begin a passionate affair. But can their
relationship survive the fallout from Samuel's
investigation?