Drake Sotherton, the
Duke of Sussex leaves England years ago under suspicion of the murder
of his wife and returns as the "Deadly Duke." His best friend, Julian
Clay, the Earl of Westleigh, who seems to have been involved in some
way with his ex-wife's death and also was the main accuser of pointing
to Drake as her murderer, are involved again in a struggle over a
woman. This time it is Merriam Everett, a plain widow, who overhears
Julian make a comment about her being a "whey-faced widow." She seeks
the guidance of a famous courtesan and changes herself into a luring
beauty in order to attend a masquerade ball and lure Julian into a
evening of unforgettable sex and then leave him wanting. A change of
costumes and mistaken identity cause Merriam instead to have an evening
of passion with Drake, who has no idea about Merriam's plan, and wants
nothing more then to find this sexy beauty after this unforgettable
evening of intense pleasure. He discovers there is some connection with
her to Julian and takes the wrong meaning of the connection and decides
to take her as a mistress and use her as a means for revenge. Merriam
agrees only because she is drawn to Drake, not knowing what is going on
around her and that danger is building. As the eroctism and danger
increases, the mystery unfolds to an intense and surprise ending. Renee
Bernard's story and character development and ability to create a
well-developed story around well-written, passionate, erotic sex scenes
is perfection. This story has the main ingredient for intense passion -
vengeance. A truly pleasurable read and a book difficult to put down. I
am looking forward to many more erotic historicals by Renee Bernard.
Publisher: Pocket
(October 2006)
Reviewed
by Beverly,
Beverly Romance Books
