"Excellent Regency romance in Bedwyn series."

A widow for two years, Christine Derrick once again embraces life with her natural exuberance. Her marriage, a love match, deteriorated with her husband's unfounded jealousy. Cast off by her husband's relatives, Christine returned home to reside with her mother and older sister.

When her only friend within the ton invites her to a house party, Christine plans to decline, but she's bullied into going. Prepared to stay in the corners and even the numbers at the dinner table, Christine is ill-prepared when she provokes the dangerous Duke of Bewcastle.

Wulfric Bedwyn, the arrogant Duke of Bewcastle, impulsively accepts an invitation to a country party. Since his siblings have married, Wulfric finds himself lonely and at loose ends. Attending a social event, he hopes it will end his ennui. When a countrified miss laughs at his demeanor, Wulfric decides to ignore the impoverished and impertinent woman. Berating himself for coming, the party continues to deteriorate as Wulfric continues to collide with the unladylike Christine.

Christine's sparkle and vitality draw Wulfric. Separated from his brothers and sisters at a young age to prepare for his exalted position, Wulfric's blood is stirred by Christine's passion for life. However, he blunders when he asks her to become his mistress. Insulted, Christine lets her full temper explode upon him. Now Wulfric plans to seduce this insolent miss.

Ms. Balogh once again rewards readers with her deep insight into human nature by penning an excellent Regency romance. Sharp dialogue and finely drawn characters add to this remarkable tale.

Reviewed by Suan Wilson
Posted May 12, 2004

Summary

All of London is abuzz over the imminent arrival of Wulfric Bedwyn, the reclusive, cold-as-ice Duke of Bewcastle, at the most glittering social event of the season. Some whisper of a tragic love affair. Others say he is so aloof and passionless that not even the greatest beauty could capture his attention. But on this dazzling afternoon, one woman did catch the duke?s eye?and she was the only female in the room who wasn?t even trying. Christine Derrick is intrigued by the handsome duke?all the more so when he invites her to become his mistress. What red-blooded woman wouldn?t enjoy a tumble in the bedsheets with a consummate lover?with no strings and no questions asked. An infuriating lady with very definite views on men, morals, and marriage, Christine confounds Wulfric at every turn. Yet even as the lone wolf of the Bedwyn clan vows to seduce her any way he can, something strange and wonderful is happening. Now for a man who thought he?d never lose his heart, nothing less than love will do. With her trademark wit, riveting storytelling, and sizzling sexual sparks, Mary Balogh once again brings together two polar opposites: an irresistible, high-and-mighty aristocrat and the impulsive, pleasure-loving woman who shows him what true passion is all about. A man and a woman so wrong for each other, it can result only in the perfect match.