Christine Wells, Wicked Little Game

In 1816 the Marquis of Vane has wanted to make love with the married Lady Sarah for what in his mind has been eternity. However, he conceals his feelings as best he can as honor would not allow anything otherwise.

Sarah's spouse Brimsley Cole offers Vane a deal he cannot refuse when he pimps his wife; one night with Sarah in exchange for 10,000 pounds. Although he knows he will regret it, Vane says no. However, her husband pulls a stunt that has a frightened Sarah run off to her "champion" for protection. She and Vane enjoy a night of passion. When Sarah's husband is found murdered and Sarah is the only suspect, Vane vows to keep his beloved safe by uncovering who made her a widow.

This is an exciting Regency romantic suspense thriller that takes off from the beginning when Cole pimps his barren wife, takes a wonderful twist (unless you are Cole), but never slows down until the final confrontation. Fast-paced throughout fans will enjoy the ride as Vane and Sarah fall in love while seeking to identify the killer and protecting her ten years old stepson whose late father ignored him leaving the lad unprotected in the slums.

Harriet Klausner