Lady Phaedra Northampton's retreat from London society ends
when a Russian spy falls dead at her feet with a knife
protruding from his back; the very Russian she sought while
trying to locate a missing young woman from her village.
Suddenly Phaedra comes to the attention of a womanizing
wastrel who is also seeking information about the Russian.
All of the pent-up emotions Phaedra has suppressed from her
previous fall from grace flare into a raging bonfire when
she and Tristan are together. Her efforts to deny the
temptation fall flat.
Tristan Talbot, Viscount Avoncliffe, has been at odds with
his father since he was small. Tristan, the result of an
unwise and short marriage, is a constant reminder to his
father of failure. Now Tristan's father, a brilliant man in
the Foreign Intelligent Office, lies dying. For the first
time, he begs Tristan to investigate a Russian spy's death
and to complete the mission he can no longer accomplish.
Tristan uses his reputation as an empty-headed rogue to
interview Lady Phaedra. From her mannerisms and evasive
answers, Tristan knows she's withholding information.
After each encounter, Tristan feels drawn to Phaedra. She
simmers with repressed sensuality that draws him to her. A
hunger lurks within each of them that threatens to
overshadow their goals in solving the Russians spy's death.
Tristan attempts to push the attraction aside because he
cannot disappoint his father's last wish.
Ms. Carlyle's tale of a son trying to reconcile with his
father and a lonely lady unable to change her past make an
incredibly emotional and moving read. The dialogue flows
superbly, and the rich and complex characters battle with
their heart's desire until the end when they finally accept
the joy they deserve.
Lady Phaedra Northampton and Lady Zoe Armstrong are best
friends who couldn't be more different from each other.
Phaedra is a good girl, always doing what she's told and
being the perfect lady, while Zoe is the bad girl,
continually getting into trouble and acting like a hoyden.
Even though they are polar opposites, they are also best
friends. The pair decides to help each other with
their "faults" and stop behaving so predictably. When
Phaedra gets involved in solving a mystery with the
irresistible rake Tristan Talbot, Lord Avoncliff, sparks
fly...and for the first time she behaves completely
opposite of the perfect lady she has always been.
© 2003-2025 off-the-edge.net
all rights reserved Privacy Policy