Avon
Featuring: Lady Isobel Maitland; Marquess of Blackwood
384 pages ISBN: 0062018930 EAN: 9780062018939 Kindle: B004IWR3HO Mass Market Paperback / e-Book Add to Wish List
SECRETS OF A PROPER COUNTESS is a delightful debut novel by
Lecia Cornwall that contains all the elements that make
regency romances fun to read: intrigue, scandal, forbidden
love and, of course, passion. As the story reached its
climax, I could not put it down. The action was swift, and
the peril was genuine. I found myself rooting for
charterers that were fully developed and well matched. I
couldn't wait for love to triumph over all. Ms. Cornwall is
most definitely an author to watch.
Lady Isobel Maitland thought she would escape a loveless
marriage upon the death of her husband only to discover he
has left his odious mother and brother in charge of
everything, including her and her young son, Robin. Now she
must avoid any hint of impropriety or risk being tossed out
and losing what little contact she is allowed with Robin.
Quite unexpectedly, Isobel takes advantage of the anonymity
afforded her by a masquerade ball to discover passion in the
arms of Phineas, Marques of Blackwood, a handsome and
notorious rake who stirs unexpected feelings in Isobel. Her
abrupt departure after their encounter leaves Phineas
wondering about the identity of this mystery woman. Little
does he know that his sister's new friend, the plain and
poorly dressed widow, is the woman he seeks.
His mystery woman only serves to distract Phineas from the
job at hand. He has carefully cultivated a reputation as a
rake to cover his true work for King and country. Now he,
along with his brother-in-law Adam, is on the hunt for a
traitor and the path leads straight to Isobel's door. Is
she a traitor or will she truly fulfill all Phineas' fantasies?
Some secrets we take to the grave. Others we just take
to bed . . .
Lady Isobel Maitland cannot afford to be caught doing
anything even remotely scandalous, or she risks losing
everything she holds dear. But one night, in a dark garden
at a masquerade ball, Isobel gives in to temptation and lets
an innocent flirtation with the notorious Marquess of
Blackwood turn into passion.
The Marquess is no stranger to seduction or intrigue, and
his rake's reputation disguises a deadly mission. When his
mystery lover flees before he can learn her name, he knows
he must find her. But all clues lead toward the prim and
dowdy Isobel Maitland. It appears the lady has secrets of
her own, secrets that Blackwood would dearly love to uncover
. . .