After she is a witness in a divorce trial, Rose Clarring realizes that true love and passion do exist. She has spent more than a decade in a passionless marriage and now seeks to experience the passion she has only heard about. She decides to divorce her husband and be free of their loveless relationship, but in Victorian England this is almost impossible unless he is has deserted her or is a bigamist. Although Rose 's husband is neither, Parliament can still grant a divorce under other circumstances, but it won't be easy and the resulting scandal would leave Rose isolated from society. Rose turns to popular barrister Jack London to ask his help to get her divorce. At first his is reluctant, he sees her as too delicate to handle the strain of scandal, but he too has sacrificed passion to build his career, only to find that it does not satisfy his needs. He understands Rose, but more importantly she stirs Jack's lust -- and another emotion he doesn't immediately identify. This compels him to agree to Rose's request but only if she will do something for him. He challenges her to a non-commitment sexual affair. Jack simply wants to sate his lust and prove to Rose that her reason for seeking a divorce does not exist. Rose simply wants to have her divorce, but if Jack can show her the passion she craves, all the better. What they find is something more than either bargained for and it changes them forever.

This is a continuation of Scandalous Lovers (The Men and Women's Club). Schone again displays her talent for highly erotic scenes and descriptions -- even without the sex. Earlier in the novel, before Rose and Jack engage in sexual play, their passion burns the pages creating quite a build up to when their relationship is consummated. The characters, like the story, keep the reader's attention beyond the sex. The research of 19th century marital laws and women's rights are adequately woven into the story, adding texture to the plot. The book is based on a real divorce case of the period which resulted in a change in divorce laws. Excerpts of the 1891 court transcripts are included in the story. While this is a sexy and passionate story, it is not a traditional erotic romance and therefore the ending, while satisfying, may leave some readers disappointed. This is another winner for Schone that her fans won't want to miss. Those new to the series won't be disappointed either and will find themselves seeking Schone's backlist.

Angela B.