"Beautiful, touching and fitting end to Bedwyn series."

Christine Derrick had once moved in the elite circles of society. Now a widow, ostracized by her former acquaintances, she enjoys a quiet but fulfilling life in the country. When her friend, Melanie, begs her to attend a house party to even out the numbers, Christine reluctantly accepts, intending only to sit in a corner and observe.

Wulfric Bedwyn, the Duke of Bewcastle, isn't sure why he decided to attend the house party. He prefers solitude to drawing room chatter and has no patience with marriage- minded misses, having long ago decided that falling in love was not one of his ducal responsibilities. Adopting his most aloof manner keeps most people at a distance, except for one woman who has the temerity to actually appear amused by him. Christine Derrick seems to prefer enjoying herself to maintaining her dignity, and as annoyed as he is at having to witness and often rescue her from her escapades, he can't seem to stay away from her.

To Christine, the duke represents everything she detests about the ton, yet she can't stop thinking about him. This can't be love...or can it?

Wulfric reminds me of one of my favorite heroes, Mr. Darcy, in Jane Austen's PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. And like the characters in that book, Wulfric and Christine must deal with some of their own pride and prejudices before they can admit their love to themselves and to each other. A beautiful and touching story, this book is a fitting end to the Bedwyn series and will satisfy readers (like me) who've eagerly awaited Wulfric's story.

Reviewed by Lenore Howard
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.