HER SECRET LOVER - Sara Bennett
Aphrodite's Club, Book 2
Avon Books
ISBN-13: 978-0-06-133689-8
November 2008
Historical Romance

England - 1851

Heiress Antoinette Dupre is in a terrible bind. After the death of her beloved uncle, one of his friends, Lord Appleby, invited her to London to witness the opening of the Great Exhibition. Believing him to be a gentleman and sincerely interested in her welfare, as well as that of her sister Cecilia, Antoinette agrees. It isn't until after she arrives and soon starts to hear rumors of their impending nuptials that she realizes something is a bit off. Rejecting his suit (when he finally offers it) should be the end of things, but Appleby is a determined man and he does his best to ruin her reputation and force her compliance. When an unexpected complication puts his plans on hold, at least temporarily, he sends Antoinette to his country home, Wexmoor Manor, to await a more auspicious time for their wedding (threatening her sister if she doesn't comply). What Appleby doesn't know is that Antoinette has in her possession a letter with information that could free her family from his threats.

Gabriel Langley has worked long and hard to acquire the necessary funds to restore his home to its former glory, a goal he knows his beloved, and now deceased, grandfather would have admired. Unfortunately, the past and its complications have allowed Wexmoor Manor to be given to someone else, Lord Appleby. Determined to get the manor back, Gabriel sets his sights on Appleby's mistress; it's believed the chit has in her possession a letter that will prove Appleby a thief and blackmailer.

Both wronged by Lord Appleby, Antoinette and Gabriel meet on the road to Wexmoor Manor (Gabriel in the guise of a highwayman and Antoinette, believed to be Appleby's lover). And then it happens; the spark of something intense is ignited, and this pair, though highly distrustful of each other, are set on the road to a grand love.

Antoinette is practical, sensible, and intelligent, not at all the sort to have a lover, secret or otherwise. However, she finds that when around Gabriel her wits go a wandering and a heretofore unknown wild side seems determined to escape and experience the passion of a lifetime. Gabriel is an honorable man determined to do the right thing (despite his current role as a highwayman) so he's shocked by the powerful desire Antoinette stirs in him. Surely he has better taste than to want Appleby's mistress for his own? Then again, the more time he spends with her, the more he wonders how this enchanting and stubborn miss could possibly have been drawn to Appleby. With luck, and a thorough demonstration of his more persuasive skills, perhaps he could convince Antoinette to give up her lover and join her life to his. Both of these delightful characters will capture your heart even as they fall in love with each other. It's just too bad that trust isn't something they feel free to give as it would make their separate goals much easier to attain. Then again, trust is a dangerous thing if given to the wrong person, so perhaps they have the right of it.

Helping (or hindering, as the case may be) Antoinette and Gabriel's romance are: Lord Rudyard Appleby, though some of his actions are understandable given his childhood, this is not the type of man to be transformed by a good woman; Mary Cooper, a servant at Wexmoor, she's been in love with Gabriel since childhood and is loath to give up her dreams of the future; Mr. and Mrs. Wonicot, also servants at Wexmoor, this couple is loyal to Gabriel and are bent on helping him attain his goals, even if they don't agree with them all; and of course there's the proprietress of the series namesake, Aphrodite. Though she's not as young as she used to be, age and experience are definitely assets in this quick witted woman's arsenal. Her advice is usually right on the money, and her help will be invaluable to Gabriel and Antoinette.

Sara Bennett has given readers yet another delightful read featuring characters who come to life and a story that will warm your heart. The second in the Aphrodite's Club series, this is a stand-alone read; though that shouldn't stop you from reading the first charming story, A SEDUCTION IN SCARLET (January 2008). If you love historical romance you'll definitely want to read HER SECRET LOVER. Treat yourself and get a copy today.

Lori Ann