"Enjoyable, well-written sequel to THE SOUVENIR COUNTESS."

Elizabeth Harcrest is beautiful, feisty and all too ready to grow up, especially when she sets her sights on James Dinsmore. Her innocence and trust are beguiling. However, in the vengeful hands of Anne, James' sister, they're twin rapiers of near disaster. Found scandalously locked in James' embrace, Elizabeth is whisked home in disgrace. Anne's plans of revenge on Rafe Moreham are well underway. For she'll never forgive Rafe for taking Alix as his wife instead of her.

James finds he's not the diffident, jaded man he believed himself to be. There's something about the endearingly irritating Elizabeth, who tastes of sugar cakes, champagne and innocence. She stirs his heart and his passions. Finding himself turning from a callous rake into a man with a purpose, James takes up the tatters of his newfound honor, thwarting his sister's plans. Walking a path of danger, intrigue and revenge, Elizabeth and James will fight for each other, in the name of love.

Delightfully, Ms. Novins continues where she left off in THE SOUVENIR COUNTESS. Her attention to detail and keen hand for romance make this a very enjoyable sequel. The writing keeps getting better and better. Returning characters lend flowing continuity, leaving the reader feeling as though they've returned to the home of dear friends. The interplay of lavish descriptions and charming dialog between the characters serve to make this an enjoyable reading experience for all.

Reviewed by Anne Barringer
Courtesy Old Book Barn Gazette
Posted February 1, 2004

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Summary

Lady Elizabeth Harcrest never gave a whit about what other people thought—until she found herself an outcast among the ton. Now she'll do anything to escape the petty gossip—even dupe the incorrigible man who helped ruin her reputation into taking her on a wild adventure abroad....

Despite his fiery attraction to Lady Elizabeth, James Dinsmore has other things on his mind...like smuggling a fugitive aristocrat out of revolution-torn France. But when he's blackmailed by the ravishing beauty, he's forced to take her across the channel. By the time he realizes how dangerous—and distracting—it is to have Elizabeth by his side, it's too late. Now he must find a way for them to escape France with their lives—and to convince Elizabeth that his love is her destiny....