A LADY’S SECRET – by Jo Beverley
A Perfect 10
Signet
ISBN-13: 978-0-451-22419-4
ISBN-10: 0-451-22419-1
April 2008
Historical Romance

France and England – July 1764

Robin Fitzvitry, Earl of Huntersdown, travels incognito to avoid the complications of traveling as an earl. It is at The Tete de Boeuf Inn, Abbeville, France, where he first comes across something that tickles his curiosity, a nun muttering curses. Prompted to investigate and offer his assistance, to alleviate his boredom if nothing else, he discovers the cure for boredom in the person of Petra d’Averio, calling herself Sister Immaculata. Petra is stunningly beautiful, and Robin’s first thoughts are of seduction, even as he introduces himself as Robin Bonchurch, ordinary gentleman. Petra travels to London as companion to Lady Sodworth, a difficult woman, and when Robin offers to take her to London, she refuses. But suddenly, Petra changes her mind. Is the beauty a mysterious adventuress, or does he really sense urgency and fear in her change of heart? Robin has never been so intrigued.

Petra is everything she seems to be, and more. Though not a nun, she has lived in a convent with her mother. A youthful indiscretion with Il Conte de Purieri, Ludovico, has made him determined to possess her as a mistress, by force if necessary. The last assistance her mother can give her before dying is the identity of her real father and a letter of introduction. Now she must find a way to elude Ludo’s minions as she travels from Milan, Italy to England in search of her father and protection -- if he will offer that protection. Has she found safe haven at last with Robin Bonchurch? Will Robin’s playful knight errantry get him killed?

A LADY’S SECRET is the most delightful historical romance I have read this year. Ms. Beverley has done quite a bit of research to add authenticity to her tale. She adds an intriguing play on the nursery rhyme of Cock Robin and the Sparrow wound cleverly throughout the story. For long-time fans of Ms. Beverley, a special treat comes with the reintroduction of the Malloren family, especially Lord Rothgar.

The balanced combination of adventure, romantic tension, historical authenticity, and truly likable characters made A LADY’S SECRET a Perfect 10 for me. There was never a dull moment in this story, with a sense of danger and desperation adding spice to the relationship growing between the main characters. Petra and Robin believe that, because of her illegitimacy, there can be no marriage, and Petra will never be a mistress. How can they find their happy ending? Oh, please buy A LADY’S SECRET and find out.

Lisa Baca