Rogue in Disguise

Spirited Ophelia Sheffield has a very cynical view of the noble class of her day, especially for a lady so young. Her view is only reinforced when she learns that her father has lost their ancestral home to the wickedly handsome, golden-haired Earl of Rotherham on the turn of a card.

Her naive younger sister Patience comes up with a plan: simply ask the earl for their property back. Knowing that won’t work, Ophelia decides to sneak into his house and plead their case for herself. In spite of the danger to her reputation, she is determined and out of options.

The meeting is held; a bargain is made: Ophelia’s home returned to her in exchange for the “pleasure” of her company.

Ophelia is a sensual woman, bargaining with the only thing her situation has left her - her body. She is virginal, yet earthy and something in the earl calls to the wickedness inside her. His frank, blatantly sexual appeal swamps her senses and soon they become lovers.

There are many levels of seduction in this story, and these two characters explore each other on several layers. Ophelia and Charles are beautifully written, realistic, and likeable. They take great pleasure in tormenting and teasing each other in public with the promises of the nights to come.

However, Ophelia’s greedy father is fishing for a rich son-in-law, which causes problems for the lovers; then, Charles’ deception comes to light. Can they get beyond their misunderstandings and emotional baggage?

This reader loved the lush imagery of this work and the sizzling love scenes with their undertones of sultry India. Burns delivers a gorgeous piece of historical eroticism here; this story hums along, hurtling the reader from the strict confines of society to the steamy passions hidden behind closed doors. All in all, a delightful and steamy read!

Reviewed by: Michelle