The Worldly Widow

Annabella Jocelyn did keep men at a safe distance and had become quite adept at this practice having loved once wholeheartedly only to have been betrayed most cruelly. Now, embracing her independence and having been a widow for sometime, all her energy and love was for her son, Richard, and Bailey's Publishing House of which she was the driving force. Annabella had traveled to Paris, at the invitation of a courtesan that had a diary of memoirs to sell that promised to be `tell-all' expose of some of the more prominent figures of that era. Being an astute businesswoman Annabella, knew that this would establish Bailey's as the forerunner in the publishing business. It was on this fateful trip that she met the very disturbing Earl of Dalmar, in her judgement a very dangerous libertine. Fate stepped in to make him her hero when a riot broke out and he saved her from being assaulted. In the process, what had started as an attraction turned into a passion for Annabella that she would, in her head, try to deny only to have her body betray her. Dalmar, on the other hand, never felt such passion for a woman before and would do his utmost to make her his using whatever means he could. Unfortunately, saving her from the folly and dangers of publishing the tell-all diary would wreak havoc with his plans. This was an amazing full-bodied romance richly detailed taking place in London and Paris months after the battle of Waterloo. The heroine is uniquely independent for her time, our hero - handsome, controlling yet vulnerable - both very well fleshed out. Additionally along with the main romance, there are two other enjoyable romances that bring a richness and lushness to this terrific book. This was a complete read, for me. It had all the ingredients I look for, in a romance - great plot, strong leads, a super supporting cast, and wonderfully sensual love scenes.