"Excellent addition to the Ryland brothers series."

Moira Tyndale, the Viscountess of Aubourn, returns to society after the death of her husband eager to help her younger sister find a husband. Moira, who is shy and has never been comfortable at parties, masquerades as a cool, poised woman as she protects her sister from improper rakes. Moira wishes for her sister to marry for love and have a successful marriage. Moira's marriage was not a grand love. In order to escape a horrible childhood, Moira married a good man, who hid a tragic secret.

Wynthrope Ryland sees a beautiful woman who guards her sister. He's envious of the sense of family that there is between the sisters. It reminds him of his brothers and the secret he holds from them. As a young man whose family was in disarray, Wynthrope became a willing participant in criminal activities. He foolishly believed he was acting for the good of England. When the ruse was exposed, Wynthrope felt idiotic at believing such lies.

Wandering mindlessly through society, Wynthrope meets Moira. At his first glimpse, Wynthrope believes Moira can see into his black soul. As he tries to be the man she believes him to be, a blackmailer enters their lives, shattering their dreams.

IN THE NIGHT continues the excellent Ryland brothers' series. Ms. Smith's tale rings true of families with their strengths and weaknesses. With her usual flair, she's given readers an absorbing and touching love story.

Reviewed by Suan Wilson
Posted January 14, 2005

Summary

Every man has his weakness. And the Ryland brothers are no different. But Wynthrope Ryland has always believed himself an exception to that rule, an exception to every rule. It is the only way he can justify his former life -- a life of crime. Long ago he took advantage of his astounding ability to remain undetected in the most profitable of ways ... and since then, he has been motivated only by the hope of somehow turning his wrongs to rights. Until he meets Moira. Moira Tyndale, elegant, proud, even haughty, a beautiful viscountess in possession of a priceless crown of diamonds. She is to be the victim of his final theft, the one that will set the Ryland brothers free forever from the binds Wyn unknowingly created so long ago. And yet with only the slightest glance, Moira has him more enchanted than he ever believed possible. In her bedchamber -- the very place where the theft must take place -- he discovers passion heretofore unknown. She is his weakness. But will she be his undoing? There are dangerous seductions waiting ...