"Thrilling tales of men who got away, then return."

Four popular authors thrill readers with tales of men who got away, but then reappeared to cause havoc.

Victoria Alexander begins the anthology with two gentlemen recounting their failed love affairs. One gentleman in particular was preparing to offer a beautiful widow, Charlotte Robb, an improper offer, when her husband reappears from the dead. Charlotte and Hugh's marriage was a tempestuous but passionate one. In THE TROUBLE WITH CHARLOTTE, Hugh and Charlotte must untangle guilt and the impulsiveness of youth and examine their hearts if they wish another chance at love. Ms. Alexander pens a refreshing tale guaranteed to delight readers.

Liz Carlyle's tale, MUCH ADO ABOUT TWELFTH NIGHT, reunites Edward and Lady Sophie St. John at a country house party. Sophie rejected Edward's proposal eight years ago believing it came from duty and not the heart. Circumstances have placed Sophie in the uncomfortable position of attending his party. Misunderstandings and confusion reign due to an elderly matchmaker in this farcical tale. Ms. Carlyle scores a winner in this story.

A FOOL AGAIN by Eloisa James has Lady Genevieve Mulcaster ogling a man during her husband's funeral. Genevieve, ruined by Tobias Darby and quickly married to an old man, spent six years in utter boredom. At her husband's demise, Genevieve expects to spend her mourning in London reveling in the sights. The reappearance of Tobias puts a crimp in her plans. Only Tobias inspires her to behave wantonly. Banished by his family from England, Tobias returns planning to win Genevieve's heart. Ms. James' wild romance between two passionate people will have readers flying through the pages.

In the final tale, NIGHTINGALE by Cathy Maxwell, Sir Dane Pendleton proves to the world that he needs no one. Betrayed by his first love, Dane rejected his calling to the church and became a ruthless businessman. Preparing for a duel, Dane is surprised to find his old love, Jemma, offering to barter herself for her brother's life. Jemma's choices have not always been wise, but throwing away Dane's love was the most foolish. They have only one night to close the wide chasm between them. Ms. Maxwell pens a touching tale of second chances at love and life.

Reviewed by Suan Wilson
Posted October 18, 2004

Summary

He was the first ... he was the best ... He was the one that got away! Now he's back ... but do you still want him? Every woman remembers that one special man who slipped through her fingers, leaving her not only asking the question "What happened?" but also wondering aboutwhat could have been if she hadn't let him go. Now, four of today's bestselling historical romance writers -- Victoria Alexander, Liz Carlyle, Eloisa James and Cathy Maxwell -- show us what can happen when the man you thought was out of your life forever returns. In this stirring quartet of original novellas, four sets of star-crossed lovers are given the golden opportunity to relive the passion ... and set the past right. Fate has brought these couples back together, but only love can determine if each is just momentary madness or a reunion that will last for all time.