Their biggest secret? Their infatuation with each other.
Independent, impulsive Lady Philippa Darlington guarantees her freedom by playing the role of a wallflower. After two miserable seasons in the ton, she’s vowed to never marry with the help of the most dreaded female enterprise in London—the Duchess Society. But a madcap misadventure will throw her plans off course and put her face-to-face with the most dangerous man she’s ever known.
Common-born Xander Macauley crawled from the slums to rule an empire. And he has secrets. One being that he’s smitten with his best friend’s little sister. Although Pippa Darlington is the last woman in England he’d risk his heart over. However, after a snowstorm forces them together and she lets him see the enchanting woman beneath the bluster, Xander finds he will do everything in his power to possess her.
The risks are undeniable. But so is the chance to find a true, overwhelming love.
THE PLOT
Oh Pippa and Xander, I have been waiting for your story and it was everything I hoped it would be! I love how he tried so hard to stay away from her, but he just can't. He is drawn to her and to protecting her from trouble she constantly finds herself in. They have the best romance; her pining and his stubborn, holding back from her is just too good! When he finally sees Pippa from a real woman with big dreams to change the world, or at least London, he is taken aback and loves her even more for it.
THE HEROINE
Lady Philippa Darlington is bored. She grew up with just her brother, the Duke of Leighton, but now he was married and had children. She should be more fulfilled with family and friends surrounding her, but she was restless. She has no intention of getting married so decides to get through her first Season as a wallflower hoping no one will notice her. She wants her life to be more meaningful than to be a debutante, get married, bear children and be a wife.
His life was every last thing she wanted hers to be. Meaningful. And exciting. He seemed to know who he was when she’d never been sure of this.
THE HERO
Xander Mccauley is the last of his friends to remain single and he has NO desire to fall into the Parson’s trap! He has clawed his way out of the East End rookeries and built a fortune and a name for himself. He is about to open up a new gaming hell with his friends, which is to be the crowning jewel of his many business endeavors. He has been in infatuated with Pippa for years and, when she comes to make her debut in society, he takes it upon himself to have her followed and protected from trouble.
THE STEAM
Their passion was a long time coming, so it made the steamy scenes even hotter. But they definitely couldn’t keep their hands off each other once they opened Pandora’s Box.
“It’s never been like this. I’ve never wanted anyone this madly. Been blind with desire. Never. Put them out of your mind. I have. For this night, there’s only us, Pip. To me, it feels like it’s always been us.”
“Look at me, Pip.” She did, struck anew by the blaze in his eyes. There could be nothing more beautiful in the world, not to her. “You own me,” he whispered hoarsely. “In this moment, I am yours.”
TROPES
Historical Romance, Regency Era, Gaming Hell, East End London, Rake Hero, Damaged/Tortured Hero, Illegitimate Hero, Best Friends Sibling, Bluestocking Heroine, Virgin Heroine, Childhood Crush, Unrequited Love, Class Difference, Age Gap Romance, Carriage Steam, Dirty Talk, Four Flame, Five Star
“I could kiss the answer out of you. The one I want. Fetching simple, innit? Persuade you in that way. Have you tangle me up like only you can, where I forget what I was asking in the first place. The way we are together…” He dragged his hand through his hair, searching. “We’re remarkable. Being with you, I’ve never, it’s never been this good. This complete. Everything about being with you works for me. Love, pleasure, passion, laughter, friendship. I want to bend you over this desk so badly I’m about to rip through my trouser buttons. We haven’t done that yet. It’s on my list, of course. But it’s dirty dealings if I do. Because I want the rest more.”
“More,” she whispered. More. He forged ahead as she concentrated on staying upright and not slithering to the floor. “I’m not who you’re supposed to marry, luv, I get that. For all the mysteries of life, nevertheless, you’re who I want. You’re it for me. I’ll figure this out”—he gestured to his tented trousers—”if you choose business only. I want your partnership. Your mind is keen. You’ll do what needs doing with a cleverly hidden, thoroughly devious bent. Better than any man alive. You’re honest but not so honest you beat someone about the head with it.”
“Macauley,” she whispered. He held up his hand, stopping her. “You need purpose, and strangely enough, I’m finding I do. Dash is a natural with the gaming hell. His temperament, controlled but deadly, is well-matched for a dangerous endeavor. Where I’m lost. I want to save my community, and I need you to do that. I’m not dealing with the Duchess Society. That’s your plank to walk. I want control, at least in part, of where these people land. You’ll be an able negotiator once we smooth away your tells.” He tapped the Darlington sign. “I’ll accept it if you say no. But I won’t be happy about it. Ever. I don’t like to lose. And my life won’t be much without you in it.”
HistoricalRomance, RegencyEra, GamingHell, EastEndLondon, RakeHero, Damaged/TorturedHero, IllegitimateHero, BestFriendsSibling, BluestockingHeroine, VirginHeroine, ChildhoodCrush, UnrequitedLove, ClassDifference, AgeGapRomance, CarriageSteam, DirtyTalk, FourFlame, FiveStar
Add your comment