"A steamy historical!"

Widow Madeline "Maddie" Sedgewick is deeply in debt thanks to her late husband. She's been doing all she can to pay off all of the notes of credit he left her. When she finds out that his notes have been bought, she can't imagine who could have done it and just waits for the other shoe to fall. Sure enough, she finds out that Brock Taylor has bought the notes.

Brock fell in love with Maddie when he worked in the stables at her father's estate. He left her with full intentions of marrying her the minute he had enough money. Now five years later he's back and very bitter because she not only married a titled man right after he left but she bore this man a child. Why couldn't she have waited for him?

Maddie has a different story to tell. It seems that Brock took money from her father to leave her. Heartbroken she finds out that she's pregnant so her father marries her to the first man who would take her off his hands but her husband Colin not only called Maddie frigid but also mentally and physically abused her. Maddie was terrified that he would also abuse her beautiful daughter, Aimee.

Now that Brock is back, what is Maddie to do? Brock tells her that he will forgive her debt if she will marry him but can she trust him with her heart and with her daughter? She tells him that instead she will become his mistress. Brock needs her connections to the ton in order to gain entrance so he demands marriage. Will they ever see eye to eye on this subject? Only time will tell.

Since I've been reviewing for The Best Reviews, I?ve discovered so many new authors. Shelley Bradley is one such author. I had heard good things about her books so when I received this book to review I was thrilled. This book is not only a highly enjoyable read but it's a steamy read as well. I recommend reading this one with the air conditioner on full bore. I eagerly look forward to Shelley Bradley's next book!

Reviewed by Kathy Boswell
Posted April 11, 2002

Summary

PURELY PASSION

Life has taught Madeline Sedgewick that nothing comes without a price--even desire. Widowed and deeply in debt, she's certain that whomever has bought her late husband's notes of credit will demand a steep repayment. But she never imagines that it will be Brock Taylor, basborn former stable-hand, newly wealthy entrepreneur--and the man who stole her heart, and so much more, five years ago.

Brock's memories of their parting are even more bitter than Maddie's, and his plans for their future are nothing like those he cherished during the bliss of first love. But seeing Maddie again--just as spirited, stubborn, and beautiful as ever--awakens a desire he thought long dead. Soon a dangerous wager is struck, with Brock's self-made fortune and Maddie's treasured independence at stake. A wager only one of them can win--as long as they resist the other's passionate seduction...