ONE NIGHT IS NEVER ENOUGH – Anne Mallory
Secrets of the Universe , Book 2
Avon
ISBN: 978-0-06-201730-7
March 2011
Historical Romance

England – 1800's

After witnessing a violent confrontation in a ribbon shop, Charlotte Chatsworth wants no part of the handsome Roman Merrick, but he is attracted to her even though she is above his station.  Charlotte 's father, an addicted gambler, plans to marry his beautiful daughter to the man who will pay off his debts and provide him with the most money.  He often plays in one of Roman's gambling establishments, drinking too much and playing too deep.  Roman looks like a fallen angel with his handsome blond looks and the scar across his cheek.  He is a self-made man from the streets of London .  He looks nothing like his brother Andreas, but they support each other through thick and thin.  This night, Chatsworth, thinking he has the winning hand, bets on a night with his virginal daughter.  One man, Trant, is so sure of his hand that he willingly bets, but Roman cannot let it stand, so he cheats in order to win.

Charlotte is angry with her father, but knows she must protect her younger sister, Emily, and her mother.  She is shocked when she discovers that Roman is the man who “bought” her.  Trant and others threaten him with ruin, but he laughs them off.  Roman is very charming, but Charlotte senses that he is also very dangerous.  He talks her into playing games and betting on them.  She chooses to play chess.  As they play, he tells her that when he claims her, he will make her beg, but wonders if she claims him, will she make him beg as well?  As they play, they learn about each other until they both fall asleep.  When she wakens, it is time for her father to arrive, but not before Roman gives her a passionate kiss and gives her a chess piece.  Checkmate!

The Ladies Society holds a charity event the following day. Charlotte 's good friend and supporter, Miranda (SEVEN SECRETS OF SEDUCTION, June 2010), is also attending.   Charlotte pretends not to see Roman.  He leaves notes of one word in difference places for her to find: Soon !

Readers will be enticed by Roman—a strong, handsome, charismatic man, dangerous, romantic, and deeply attracted to Charlotte .  Charlotte is trying to stay within the strictures of the ton and trying to protect her family, but she cannot stop thinking about a certain man who is perilous to her standing in society.  ONE NIGHT IS NEVER ENOUGH is a romance that readers will not want to miss.  You will meet friends from previous books, and fall in love with the hero of the tale.  Secondary characters—Miranda, who stands as her friend, and Andreas, who wants to protect his brother—enhance the story.

Strong characterization and a tantalizing storyline make ONE NIGHT IS NEVER ENOUGH a book for your keeper shelf.  It is a compelling tale that will have you looking for more from this talented author.  Maybe Andreas will have his own story…one can hope!

Marilyn Heyman