November 15, 2003
Rothgar Abbey is the Christmas destination of the Malloren family-and at least one old enemy bent on revenge. While fans of the series (Secrets of the Night; Tempting Fortune) will be interested in revisiting the various family members they have met before, the real focus here is on Genova Smith and the notorious Marquess of Ashart, who end up entangled in a faux betrothal and spend the holidays at the home of Ash's cousin and bitter adversary, the Marquess of Rothgar, accompanied by two elderly relatives and a baby. Confusion reigns as Genova and Ash try to sort out their feelings for each other and solve the mystery of the baby. But the real challenge lies between Ash and Rothgar, as they both must choose between vengeance and reconciliation and eventually come to terms with the past. Holiday fun, lively family interactions, and romance abound in this heartwarming tale that, while serious, is a shade lighter than others in the Malloren series. Best-selling romance author Beverley is a member of the RWA Hall of Fame and lives in Canada.
Copyright 2003 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
October 15, 2003
Genova Smith convinces her employers, the elderly Trayce ladies, to let her bring an abandoned baby with them to a Christmas party at Rothgar Abbey, even as she does her best to get the Marquess of Ashart, the man she mistakenly believes to be the father, to accept responsibility for his actions. Ash has no intention of claiming the child, but he agrees to accompany his great aunts to the holiday fete, despite the family tragedy that has turned Ash and the Marquess of Rothgar into mortal enemies. When she is caught with Ash in a seemingly compromising situation, Genova agrees to a pretend betrothal but has no intention of giving in to her desires for the wickedly handsome Ash. While truth and forgiveness unite two long-estranged branches of a family, an intelligent, ever sensible heroine and an elegant, sinfully seductive rake spar with splendidly sexy results as RITA Award-winning Beverley, with her usual delectable wit and superb characterization, returns readers to the unforgettable world of her Malloren series.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2003, American Library Association.)