"Engaging and Highly Appealing Historical"

Wynthrope Ryland, one of the four Ryland brothers, has never been conventional, but he has been exceptional. In his former secret life, he'd been a master thief -- who'd never been caught - though it was a life he'd sooner forget. Now, he only wanted to go forward, making up for his past mistakes and someday prove himself as more than the selfish, unconventional persona he projected.

Lady Moira Tynsdale was chaperoning her younger beautiful sister Minerva when Wynthrope surprised the ton once again by not asking the younger sister, but Lady Moira to dance. Days before, a shared glance told him there was more to the reserved Viscountess than meets the eye and he was determined to uncover the passionate nature he felt she hid. Though she aroused feelings he'd never experienced before, Moira herself was not unaffected and they were came to enjoy a comfortable friendship.

The man who'd led Wynthrope astray came back threatening to expose Wynthrope and ruin his brother who unselfishly sacrificed his own career in order to save him. Not only was he asked to steal once again, the prize was a diamond tiara that belonged to Moira, the woman he had fallen in love with.

Moira had revealed her heart and secrets to Wynthorpe their first time in bed, only to discover him later during that night, in her safe with the tiara in his hands. He was actually putting it back, but the sight was revealing and the damage done. Moira ordered him to leave. Now, Wynthrope would not only have to deal with a blackmailer but try to convince Moira of his innocence, but of what he truly felt in his heart.

*** Oh, what tangled webs we weave... I loved both Wynthrope and Moira! They were complex individuals and the author did a fabulous job chiseling out solid characterizations while building a marvelous love story out of their friendship. The author paints a vivid picture of mood and emotions engaging the reader from page one. Appealing secondary characters (loved Nathaniel) and glimpses of Wynthrope's brothers will have the reader rushing to find the previous books in Smith's Ryland Brothers series as well as looking forward to the concluding book STILL IN MY HEART featuring the eldest brother Brahm. This was a charming and highly satisfying historical romance I fervently recommend!

Reviewed by Marilyn Rondeau
Posted May 25, 2006

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 ...