"Unique, refreshing, absorbing historical romance."

After a disastrous year of marriage, Helene, the Countess Godwin, fled back to her mother's home. She spent the last nine years remaining virtuous and ignoring her husband's outrageous follies. Tired of watching her friends marry and start their families, Helene decides it's time to take charge of her life. If her husband will not divorce her, she'll have a baby by any man, regardless of the scandal. Therefore, the ice queen transforms herself into an enticing siren.

Rees Holland, Earl of Godwin's, only passion in life is music. Writing and composing his operas makes him unaware of the world around him. That suits him just fine. His impulsive marriage and subsequent scandalous activities have never given him the pleasure that his music does. Even now, with his mistress in residence, he can only focus on his new musical score. This comes to an abrupt halt when Rees learns of his wife's search for a stud. Furious, he confronts Helene. He will not be cuckolded.

Making a deal with the devil himself, Helene moves back into their home, where their rocky relationship slowly undergoes a change. The clumsiness and inexperience of youth caused them to hurl barbs that caused deep hurt and anger. Time and experience lead them to reevaluate the mess they've made of their lives.

Ms. James captures the foibles of human nature in an absorbing book. This story gives readers a unique and refreshing read.

Reviewed by Suan Wilson
Courtesy Old Book Barn Gazette
Posted March 9, 2004

Summary

Helene, the Countess Godwin, knows there is nothing more unbearably tedious than a virtuous woman. After all, she's been one for ten long years while her scoundrel of a husband lives with strumpets and causes scandal after scandal. So she decides it's time for a change -- she styles her hair in the newest, daring mode, puts on a shockingly transparent gown, and goes to a ball like Cinderella, hoping to find a prince charming to sweep her off her feet...and into his bed. But instead of a prince, she finds only her own volatile, infuriatingly handsome...husband, Rees, the Earl Godwin. They'd eloped to Gretna Green in a fiery passion, but passion can sometimes burn too hot to last. But now, Rees makes her a brazen offer, and Helene decides to become his wife again...but not in name only. No, this time she decides to be very, very wicked indeed.