The Secret Mistress

Praise for The Secret Mistress:

"The charming mixture of sensual passion and hilarious confusion makes Balogh's delightful tale a must-read for Regency fans." -_-Publisher's Weekly_, starred review
PRAISE FOR MARY BALOGH

More than a Mistress

“A stunningly good work of romantic fiction . . . Mary Balogh reaches deep and touches the heart.”—Joan Johnston, New York Times bestselling author of Invincible

“[A] luscious Regency-era delight [with] memorable characters and fast-paced, well-constructed plot.”—_Booklist_

No Man’s Mistress
 
“Deep emotions, strong characters and an unusual plot blend to perfection into another winner for this Jewel of the Highest Water, Mary Balogh.”—_Romantic Times_

“A lively and thrilling tale.”—_Rendezvous_

From the Hardcover edition.

In this enticing new romance ripe with sensuality and wit, New York Times bestselling author Mary Balogh proves that comfort is no match for passion when a stuffy gentleman becomes the object of desire of an adoring and spirited young woman.

THE SECRET MISTRESS

While Lady Angeline Dudley’s pedigree dictates that she must land a titled gentleman, the irrepressible beauty secretly longs for a simple, ordinary suitor. No wild rakes like the men of her family, just a kind heart and good nature. So when Edward Ailsbury, the new Earl of Heyward, rescues her with unmatched civility from the advances of a scoundrel, Angeline thinks that she has found her true love. Persuading the earl is another matter entirely.

Edward has his future neatly mapped out. He hopes to wed his steadfast companion, a woman who shares his values of loyalty, respect, and decorum. But arriving in London to take his seat in the House of Lords, he is derailed by Angeline, an exquisite bird of paradise seemingly devoted to sending his predictable life into chaos.

From the brilliant hues of her fashion to her hoydenish antics, Angeline is the last woman on earth for Edward. And yet a stolen kiss in the moonlight awakens something deep and primal within him. Naturally, being a gentleman, he does the right thing after compromising a lady: He offers marriage.

Angeline knows that Edward’s proposal is born of duty, not love. But denying something so provocative and passionate is easier said than done. Deep down, Angeline believes that Edward’s dedication to convention will melt behind closed doors, where sensuality and seduction play wicked games. For a proper wife by day can become a husband’s secret mistress by night, when delicious desire rules.

From the Hardcover edition.