All Jasper wants is to find a lady who will put up with him long enough to wed so he can retreat to his life of debauchery a life that keeps the haunting memories of his past at bay. Jasper Renshaw, Viscount Vale, has a problem: he needs to marry and produce an heir to the title. But can their relationship survive the fallout from Samuel’s investigation? Despite Emeline’s belief in Vale’s innocence and her refusal to break off her betrothal, she and Samuel begin a passionate affair. Samuel suspects that the person responsible for her brother’s death is Jasper Renshaw, Viscount Vale, a family friend since childhood and Emeline’s fianc.

Not only does he defy convention with his unusual dress, his sensual smile, and his forthright manner, but he survived the battle that killed her beloved brother. Lady Emeline Gordon is captivated with Samuel. He believes his regiment was given up to the enemy and won’t rest until he finds the traitor. What the ton doesn’t know, though, is that Samuel is in London because of this massacre. Not only is he self made, American, and in the habit of wearing moccasins, but he is also notorious for fleeing a battle in which several English gentlemen lost their lives. The ton loves nothing more than a good scandal, and they’re giddy with the appearance of wealthy Samuel Hartley. But when Annarsquo s plan is revealed, a bit of blackmail is thrown into the mix, a proposal is rejected and even the Earl himself will be unprepared for the intrigues that ensnare them. Except for the mysterious lady with whom he spent two unforgettable nights at Aphroditersquo s Grotto, the most scandalous brothel in London. Unhandsome, he knows that no woman wants him. He is formalising his betrothal and trying with little success to forget about a secretary that has no right being female.

But the Earl has another reason for going to London. But when she realises that he is going to visit a brothel in London to take care of his ‘manly’ desires, Anna sees red and decides to take advantage of the opportunity to also take care of her ‘womanly’ desires with the Earl as her unknowing lover. Secretaries are always male never female as Anna well knows but the real downfall of her career is the realisation that she is falling in love with Edward de Raaf the Earl. For the widowed Anna Wren, that means taking a job as female secretary for the Earl of Swartingham. There comes a time in a womanrsquo s life when she must do the unthinkable and find employment.

To Desire a Devil by Elizabeth Hoyt