Charlotte Chatsworth is the epitome of a debutante -- beautiful, well mannered, and quite a gem. Unfortunately, this is her third season, and her father keeps dismissing possible suitors. It seems that none are good enough for his daughter, or at least not good enough to pay off his gambling debts. Charlotte receives quite a shock when she learns that she is part of her father's wager. She is to spend one night with the man who held the winning hand. If anyone finds out, she will be ruined and the scandal will take her family down with her. How could her father do this? How will she survive the ordeal?
Roman Merrick rules London's underworld. Life is his game and he uses people as his pawns taking what he wants when he wants. At the moment, he wants Miss Charlotte Chatsworth. When the opportunity presents itself to have her, he seizes the chance. He knows he plays a dangerous game, but he cannot help himself. He wants to see how well she will adapt to his environment and to his penchant for games. Charlotte touches him like no one else, and he wishes to simply possess her. Will he succeed in conquering her? Or will she send his world spiraling out of control?
Anne Mallory crafts another decadently delicious historical romance. She pits calculating innocence against rakish charm in a high stakes game where no one leaves unscathed. Charlotte and Roman have an intense connection even though they run in different social circles, and their banter and games make this a quick and fun read. I was completely caught up in the mystery and allure and was left wondering who would reign victorious in the end. Ms. Mallory knows how to keep a reader entertained, and I thoroughly enjoyed this simmering romance. ONE NIGHT IS NEVER ENOUGH entices, turns the tables, and keeps rolling in the surprises.
Powerful, ruthless, seductive -- the lord of London's
underworld -- Roman Merrick gets anything he wants...and he
burns for Charlotte Chatsworth, a polished jewel in the
glittering ton. So he engages her debt-ridden gambler father
in a game of chance, wagering ten thousand pounds against
one night with the man's exquisite daughter. And Roman
Merrick never loses.
Charlotte is devastated to learn that her reprobate father
has lost her in a card game to the most dangerous man she's
ever met. With the threat of ruin behind every corner,
Charlotte embarks upon a perilous path with the man she
cannot forget. But in truth, it's Roman who has everything
to lose -- for a game undertaken for pleasure alone soon has
him gambling his heart. And love and passion unleashed could
bring his great, dark empire tumbling down...
βWhat exactly is your business, Roman?β
βMy business is complicated and boring.β He tilted his
head, a smile curling. βNo, I withdraw that. My business is
complicated and far too exciting for a delicate ladyβs
ears. You will likely faint before I utter the first words
of an explanation.β
βIt is a good thing that my ears are sturdy then, and that
Iβve never fainted before,β said Charlotte.
βThere is always a first. At least you are on the bed. You
would fall so prettily upon your back. Lips parted, in
complete surrender.β
The reminder of their position was unnecessary, but still
brought color to her cheeks.
βSee. There. I detect the beginnings of a faint already.β
βMore likely you detect the stirrings of my temper.β
βReally? I bet you look quite lovely in a fit. Cheeks all
ablaze in passion.β
βI thought you were uninterested in beauty.β
He smiled slowly. βWhat Iβm interested in is you.β He
leaned forward and one finger touched her chin. βIβm going
to possess you, Charlotte.β