Ella St. James' life is based on lies. Living as the
Countess of Lanshire, society believes she's a widow with
excellent linage. The truth would land her in an insane
asylum. She's actually a member of Lavender House, a home
for a coven of gifted witches who are involved in secret
government affairs. When her latest mission ends in
disaster, Ella rejects any more assignments and looks into
her friend's death. Too many questions are left unanswered
and a vague sense of impending disaster leaves Ella uneasy.
Sir Drake returns wounded from a bloody naval battle
revered as the new hero of the day. He allows this charade
to continue knowing it will help in his investigation of
his sister's mysterious death. Since Drake's cold father
had sent him to sea as a boy and not allowed him home,
Drake had little contact with his beloved sister. His
social skills are virtually non-existent, but he will
persevere until he finds the answers he seeks.
Drake encounters Ella after ruffians assault her at a
party. Ella's responses are vague and she covers her
intelligence with inane chatter. After he foils another
attempt on Ella's life, Drake tries to ensnare her with the
attraction that sparks between them. The mutually strong
chemistry waylays their plans. Ella enchants Drake but fear
keeps her from revealing her secrets...
Ms. Greiman begins a promising new Witches of Mayfair
trilogy with an intriguing story of a beguiling young woman
struggling to accept her past failures. She pairs Ella with
Drake, a man battling his own guilt. The magic and romance
meld seamlessly, and hints of future storylines appear
involving the coven and its murky history.
To London society, they were nothing more than a group of
well-bred
ladies gathering to gossip about the bachelors of the town.
But the women of Lavender House share an uncommon gift that
will lead them to days filled with danger-and nights of
unquenchable desire.
With her smoldering glances and dazzling beauty, Ella St.
James,
Countess of Lanshire, could bewitch any man. But she isn't
about to
squander her unique attentions on the mundane task of
finding a husband. After all, the perfect man is a mere
fantasy, and she has more urgent worries. A close friend and
fellow Lavender House lady has gone missing, and Ella is
determined to find her. But everywhere she turns, she only
finds the handsome, alluring, and troublemaking Thomas
Donovan.
Thomas has secrets of his own, secrets that could destroy
him, and his attraction to the tantalizing Ella is a
terrible risk. Yet when her
investigation leads her into mortal peril, Thomas cannot
help but try to rescue her, love her, and devour her . . .
for he has fallen under her spell.