"A thrilling romance"

Sir Alasdair St. Erth spent numerous years on the continent with one goal in mind: vengeance on the Sealbys for what they did. He has the evidence and he has insured that his intended targets know what he possesses. Now he is back on English soil ready to complete his life's quest the fall of the house of Sealby.

At the Swanson Ball, country mouse Katherine Corbet shows the strength of a lioness protecting her cubs when she helps Alasdair escape the machinations of a marriage minded woman. Though he realizes she is an innocent, Alasdair decides she is the perfect pawn to enable him to complete his personal mission. However, as he begins to fall in love with his sacrificial lamb, he starts questioning his desires because he knows when he gains checkmate he loses everything.

Though the theme of revenge and romance has been used numerous times in novels and movies, Edith Layton provides Regency readers with a strong tale due to a delightful cast. The lead couple is wonderful as Alasdair struggles between love and revenge knowing he needs the former, but remains obsessed with the latter though the presence of Katherine has weakened his resolve. Ms. Layton provides her usual exciting novel starring two strong protagonists that will leave fans satiated and new readers as fans.

Harriet Klausner

Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted May 10, 2002

Summary

WOULD HE CHOOSE LOVE ... OR REVENGE?Katherine Corbet abhors injustice -- and is happy to assist the disturbingly attractive Sir Alasdair St. Erth quash the brazen schemes of a marriage-minded opportunist. But appearing on the arm of the dark, dashing rogue at London balls as his interest will never be more than a sham -- no matter how Katherine's aching heart yearns for more.This naive country miss is ideal! With Katherine's unsuspecting assistance, Alasdair can at long last take his revenge on an old, hated enemy -- though it pains him to use such an innocent in this unscrupulous manner. Worse still is the longing she inspires within him, a passionate need to taste the sweetness of her lips. Alasdair knows his vengeful plan could destroy a fragile, blossoming love. And when he finally releases Katherine from his devil's bargain, will he truly be able to let her go?