"deep historical piece inside a strong character driven romance"

In 1751 in a remote part of Ireland, Duke John and Elizabeth Gunning, meeting for the first time, share a Midsummer Night's Dream encounter. Both are attracted to one another, but neither expects an aristocrat and a commoner to run into each other ever again as their circles are quite different.

Elizabeth's pushy mom plans to have both her daughters perform on the stage. She turns to her friend actress Peg Wolffington for help. Peg takes to the two young females and arranges for the three women to see her perform at Dublin Castle. She goes so far as to sham a relationship insisting that the two siblings are daughters of Viscount Mayo, a lord in the most remote isolated part of the country. However, also at the castle is John, whose silence can only be bought with kisses from the real Elizabeth, not the performer.

This is a fun Georgian Era romance that puts a twist on the taboo of acting by making it an acceptable occupation. The story line grips the readers as John and Elizabeth fall in love, but must cope with the overarching reach of her mom, who would be the mother-in-law from hell. Fans of the period will enjoy Virginia Henley's latest tale because as usual the author provides a deep historical piece inside a strong character driven romance.

Harriet Klausner

Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted November 16, 2003

Known for her "passionate love scenes and steamy fantasies" (Booklist), New York Times bestselling author Virginia Henley pens a seductive tale of desire, secrets, and lasting love—set against the glorious backdrop of Regency England...

Summary

The Impostress
Though celebrated in Irish society for her extraordinary beauty, Elizabeth Gunning is just playing a part. The supposed daughter of Viscount Mayo is in fact a common woman of uncommon appearance. And if her domineering mother has her say, she is going to keep up the charade—and take London society by storm.

The Duchess
With her golden hair and violet eyes, Elizabeth has men falling at her feet, but only one has captured her heart— John Campbell, the rakishly handsome Duke of Argyll. If she surrenders to his smoldering gaze and heated touch, she'll be playing with fire. Because only John knows her deepest secret—and knows just how to unleash the passion within her...