Lushly sensual and lusciously witty, Carlyles historical romance is superb. --Booklist, starred review. Lady Phaedra Northampton is a proper English miss -- but burdened by a dark secret. Shes buried her shame in running her wealthy brother Lord Nashs household while hiding behind a sharp wit and dull wardrobe...until a reckless village maids disappearance pulls her into Londons seedy underworld. A former mercenary and jaded spy-for-hire, Tristan Talbot, Lord Avoncliffe, now does little, and manages to do it scandalously. Though Tristans an out-and-out rogue, when his dying father begs him to delve into the secrets behind a notorious brothel -- a perfect task for his talents! -- Tristan cant refuse. Is the brothel a front for a notorious Russian spy ring? Tristan is on the hunt -- until his path collides with the oh-so-tempting Lady Phae. Soon what should be a simple assignment becomes deliciously complicated...when deception and desire lead to an explosive passion -- and deadly foes!