Product Description

The first kiss occurred in a dimly-lit hallway on the upper floor of Elwin Hastings's grand house. Louisa never saw it coming ...Of course, Anthony Stalbridge couldn't possibly have had romantic intentions. The kiss was an act of desperation, meant to distract the armed guard about to catch the pair in a place they did not belong. After all, Louisa Bryce is no man's idea of an alluring female in her dull maroon gown and gold-rimmed spectacles. The only thing the two interlopers have in common is a passionate interest in the private affairs of Mr. Hastings - a prominent member of Victorian Society whom they both suspect of hiding terrible secrets. Each has a reason for the quest. Anthony's fiancee was said to have thrown herself into the Thames - but Anthony has his own suspicions. Louisa - whose own identity is shrouded in layers of mystery - is convinced Hastings has a connection to a notorious brothel. But bringing Hastings to justice will be more perilous than either anticipates - and their hasty partnership will be more heated than either expects.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #183121 in Books
• Published on: 2008-05-01
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 368 pages

Review
'Amanda Quick is one of the hottest writers in romance today... Her heroines are always women you'd love to know, and her heroes are dashing guys you'd love to love.' (USA Today) 'This action-packed tale, brimming with witty characters, vivid historical detail, and tautly woven intrigue kept me guessing until the very end.' (Lisa Gardener)

About the Author
Amanda Quick is a pseudonym for Jayne Ann Krentz, the author of forty New York Times bestsellers under various pen names; more than twenty-five million copies of her books are in print. She lives in the Pacific Northwest.

Customer Reviews

Lies and deception
Louisa is hiding in plain sight as a dowdy widow. Her past is something that she's ashamed of and she holds out little hope for a happy future. Anthony Stalbridge is interested in her and their first real encounter is when he kisses her outside Elwin Hastings' bedroom while they're both attending a ball.

His reasons for being there are different to hers. She's investigating for a scandal sheet, while he's trying to find out whether his fiancee's death was truly a suicide. Both of them have an interest in Mr Hastings and they propose to join forces to bring him to justice.

With a lot of twists and turns this story brings the two characters together and is quite an amusing read. I enjoyed it immensely and look forward to more of the same.

easy read - good beach book
Typical of the Amanda Quick book formula - lady of mystery meets man of mystery, followed by sex, danger and rescue - end with happily ever after. Seems to be missing the 'special something' her earlier books have (and the reason I started reading her books). It is still a good read - worth taking to the beach as you don't have to pay close attention to the plot. One major distraction has been the over use of the word 'that'. It has become so distracting, I found myself mentally rewriting the text just to avoid the word.
Still, I'll continue to read her books when in the mood for a light romantic-adventure.

Excellent Read
AFTER A BIT OF A SLOW START THIS TURNED INTO A REALLY GOOD STORY. ENJOYED ANTHONY AND LOUISA'S STORY VERY MUCH AND NOW RE READING OTHER AMANDA QUICK BOOKS.