Daphne Collingham was determined to get to the bottom of
her beloved cousin's death. Clarissa Colton had died in a
tragic accident in her home. Only, Daphne knew Clarissa's
death was no accident; she was murdered by her husband,
Lord Timothy Colton. After creating a false identity,
Daphne embarks on a journey to Wales as prospective
governess, Miss Daphne Collins, in order to avenge her
cousin's death.
Hired by a neighbor after presenting herself with raving
but false references, Daphne Collingham is able to obtain a
position as a governess in her cousin's household. Daphne's
first impression of Lord Colton is that he is a heartless
brute who could very well be capable of murder. Daphne's
suspicions are further heightened when Colton's youngest
daughter draws a portrait of her mother dead at the bottom
of the main staircase. Daphne is more convinced than ever
that Lord Colton murdered his own wife in cold blood in the
presence of his children.
But as Daphne spends time with Lord Colton and his
children, a very different picture of her cousin and
Timothy Colton emerges. While Daphne originally believed
Lord Colton insensitive to his children's needs, she soon
begins to see the subtle but tender affection he shows to
all his children. Not only does Daphne see Lord Colton's
real feelings for his children, but she soon realizes that
she is in danger of losing her heart to her cousin's
husband. Yet, Daphne questions how she can succumb to the
growing attraction to the man who may have murdered her
cousin. However, Daphne's time with the Colton children
also bring to light a completely different portrait of the
cousin Daphne loved so deeply. The children describe her as
cruel and indifferent, and the Colton neighbors remark that
the children are better off without a mother like Clarissa
Colton. Daphne soon realizes that she never really knew her
cousin at all.
Very few authors can properly pull off a love/hate
relationship in a historical romance novel without seeming
just a little contrived, but Christine Merrill spun a
mesmerizing tale that will take your breath away. Lord
Colton's initial dark character came across loud and clear,
and I wondered how Daphne could ever fall in love with her
cousin's murderer. However, "don't judge a book by its
cover" is an apt phrase for Timothy Colton. Once Daphne
begins to question her original theory about her cousin's
murder, the shocking truth is revealed. Readers who love a
good angsty historical romance novel will want to read
DANGEROUS LORD, INNOCENT GOVERNESS over and over!
THE DARK LORD’S ULTIMATE TEMPTATION…
Daphne Collingham is masquerading as a governess in Lord
Timothy Colton’s home—determined to discover if he is
responsible for her beloved cousin’s death. She’s prepared
to uncover secrets and scandal, but the biggest revelation
is the way she feels under the lord’s dark gaze....
Lord Colton is suspicious of the alluring new governess—and
with the furor surrounding him he must control his passion.
But a man has his limits, and the delectable Miss Collingham
is pure temptation....