“Why did you come here?” he asked.

Gathering her courage, she ventured hesitantly, “If you’re not too busy, I thought we might do something today. Together. As man and wife.”

He released a bored sigh. “What did you have in mind, a waltz? Ordinarily I’d indulge your whim, but as you can see, the orchestra has temporarily abandoned its post.”

“I’ve missed you.”

The statement hung in the air between them. Morgan studied her face for a long moment.  “There is a term in fencing for toying with one’s opponent.”

“Are we opponents?”

“Are you toying?”

“I’m not sure what I’m doing.”

“Forgive me if I find that difficult to believe. I’ve never met a more purposeful woman in my life.”

A small smile touched her lips. “Is that good or bad?”

“What do you want, Julia?”

She couldn’t remember him ever using her name be­fore. The sound of it rolling off his tongue sent an unex­pected rush of pleasure racing through her. Idly wondering if his reaction would be the same if she spoke his name, she said, “I thought it might be nice if we spent a little time together, Morgan.”

She saw something flash in his eyes, but the emotion, whatever it was, vanished too quickly for her to properly define. “Ah. So that’s it.” A small, cynical smile curved his lips. His gaze moved over her body with scorching inten­sity, as though he were able to see right through to her drawers. He straightened and glanced around the empty room, then back at her. “Interesting timing.”

Heat flooded her cheeks. “I didn’t mean—”

“Didn’t you.”

“Certainly not. Must you always be so base?”

“You’re the one who came to me.”

“With the simple proposition that we attend Lord Attmark’s boating party this afternoon,” she said, seizing upon the sudden inspiration. “That’s all I had in mind.”

“Lord Attmark’s boating party?”

“I thought it would be quite diverting.”

“Floating along a river that smells like rancid sewage in this sweltering heat. That’s what you came to see me about.”

“Yes.”

A knowing smile curved his lips. “Liar.”

“I don’t know what—”

“Liar,” he repeated softy.

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READER REVIEWS:

With This Kiss — A Romantic Times ‘Top Pick’!

“Ms. Lynne weaves her magic to bring the reader a bit of poignancy along with a sexually charged romance in this very satisfying historical romantic suspense.  Find a place for this one on your special shelf.”  —Romantic Times

“A smoldering Victorian era romance.”  —Booklist

From the very beginning of the book, I was immersed in the incredible romance and mystery beneath the pages. This book contains all the elements I relish reading: romance, mystery, incurable rakes, beautiful ladies, and all in an English setting.

Julia made the ideal strong heroine even though she did not fit the typical English lady. And you cannot get more unconvential than Morgan, and I loved him as the reluctant yet capable hero. I was fascinated to see the growth and blossoming of their relationship, and the ending did not disappoint.

My favorite element of the book was the mystery that was woven seamlessly into the story.  The author knows how to keep the reader guessing at every turn.  She never gave away the details, and in the end, I believe everyone was surprised at the outcome.

My complaints with the book are so minor that they are almost not worth mentioning.  There was some mild profanity in the book, but I truly did not find it overly offensive.  The sex scenes are hot and may offend some people, but I was so glad that the scenes only appeared following marriage.  There was implied fidelity to be sure.  For my tastes, I did not find any of these offensive.

I would whole-heartedly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys romance and historical fiction.  My first 5-star romance this year!

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.  I was not financially compensated in any way, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.

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