Secrets at Thorncliff Manor, #3
by Sophie Barnes
Releasing
July 26th 2016.
Avon
Avon
From The Book Junkie Reads . . . His Scandalous Kiss (Secrets at Thorncliff Manor, #3) . . .
There was intrigue, mystery, plots within plots, deceptions, misguidance, and some masquerade foreplay. We have returned to the one place that holds secrets and intrigue for the masses. Where else can you be seen but not seen than at a masked ball? One came to uncover a plot. The other came to be seen but in a different light. The music attracted them both.
Richard Heartly and Lady Mary both have their own reason for wanting to attend the Thorncliff Manor Masked Ball. Each has a plan and will stay on course until it is complete. Neither was expecting to find commonality on the dance floor. There was much that unfolded in the time spent at Thorncliff Manor.
This one has been a good addition to the others of the series. It builds on the mystery, intrigue and suspense of the previous books. I would advise taking the time to read them all and in order. You will find so much more enjoyment out of this Historical Regency Romance.
**This
ARC was provided via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.**
Thorncliff Manor is the perfect setting for a
masquerade ball . . . where the heart’s secret desires are about to be
uncovered in this scintillating Regency romance from Sophie Barnes
Richard Heartly has exiled himself from society since the war, plotting his revenge for a terrible betrayal. A masked ball at Thorncliff Manor is intended to be a brief diversion. Instead, he encounters a fascinating young woman as entranced by the music as he is. He can’t reveal his identity to Lady Mary. But her siren song keeps drawing him back, and their clandestine meetings could be hazardous to his plan—and to her virtue . . .
Avoiding an unwanted marriage was easy when Lady Mary was ignored by the ton. Thanks to her dazzling appearance at the masquerade, she’s a wallflower no longer. Eligible suitors abound, yet the only man she wants is the brooding, seductive companion who keeps his face hidden. A man who tempts her to disclose her own shocking secret, one that could divide them forever . . .
Richard Heartly has exiled himself from society since the war, plotting his revenge for a terrible betrayal. A masked ball at Thorncliff Manor is intended to be a brief diversion. Instead, he encounters a fascinating young woman as entranced by the music as he is. He can’t reveal his identity to Lady Mary. But her siren song keeps drawing him back, and their clandestine meetings could be hazardous to his plan—and to her virtue . . .
Avoiding an unwanted marriage was easy when Lady Mary was ignored by the ton. Thanks to her dazzling appearance at the masquerade, she’s a wallflower no longer. Eligible suitors abound, yet the only man she wants is the brooding, seductive companion who keeps his face hidden. A man who tempts her to disclose her own shocking secret, one that could divide them forever . . .
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Richard grunted
disagreement. “I have lived a solitary life these past five years,” he said
slowly. “My brother and secretary have been my only contacts to the outside
world since my return.”
“Which is why I am so
honored to have the pleasure of your company. Truly, it is greatly
appreciated.”
“Even if I am not as
polished as I once was?”
Her mouth tilted a
little. “You are just a little rusty.” She patted his arm with her gloved hand.
“It will come back to you soon enough.”
He wasn’t so certain. “I
feel as though I no longer belong.”
“Nonsense. But if we can
find your brother then perhaps you will feel more yourself. Hmm?” She looked
around.
“I must confess that he
is unaware of my attendance this evening.” When she turned to him, eyes wide in
question, he said, “I should like to keep it that way.”
“May I ask why?”
Breaths came and went in
slow succession before he settled on the right words. “The last thing I want is
for him to get the wrong idea—to presume that I have come for the purpose of
socializing or, God forbid, dancing.”
Her eyebrows rose in two
sharp points. “Dancing is not so bad and neither is socializing.”
“I am only here because
of your insistence. As Grandmamma’s dearest friend, it would be difficult for
me to deny you. Which is not to say that I am unhappy that I came.”
“She would be proud of
you, if she were still alive.”
“I hope so,” he
muttered. “You have offered me a refreshing change, but I am afraid that
dancing and socializing would serve no purpose.”
“I suppose that explains
why you have not asked me to dance,” Lady Duncaster said as they moved toward a
shadowy corner where a stone bench stood vacant.
“You see! My manners
have completely deserted me.” He waited for Lady Duncaster to sit before
lowering himself onto the empty spot beside her. “Perhaps a minuet would not be
too appalling, if I can still recall the steps, mind you.”
“Forgive me, but was
that an invitation?” In spite of her advanced years, it was impossible to deny
that she had spirit.
Richard grimaced. “Lady
Duncaster, would you please do me the honor of dancing the minuet with me?” As
much as he dreaded it, he owed her the courtesy of asking.
“I would be delighted
to,” she said, looking pleased. “See, that was not so difficult, was it? But if
you step on my toes I shall slap you.”
Although Richard feared
that she might have to follow through on that threat, her words eased his
tension. “In public? Surely not!”
“I find that the older I
get, the less I care about protocol, or the opinion of others, for that
matter.”
“Then we are of like
minds, my lady.”
Lady Duncaster snorted.
“My dear boy, you are entirely mistaken! If you were really as indifferent as
I, then you would not feel inclined to hide away as you do. That said, however,
I must compliment you on your choice of costume. The complete concealment of
your face beneath your Bauta mask and tricorn does add a distinct air of
mystery to you.”
“I am not the only one
here who has chosen to dress in traditional style,” he said as he watched a
couple strolling in their direction. Both wore full masks with silver lips and
eye-slits outlined in blue. Just like Richard, their hair and necks had been
covered by tightly fitted silk hoods, revealing not an inch of skin and making
it impossible to discern their identities.
“True,” Lady Duncaster
agreed, “but unlike everyone else here this evening, there is a certain
darkness about you that I am sure the ladies will find compelling.”
“I have no interest in
attracting any woman’s attention.” The evening black had been a given. He could
not imagine himself in anything else. And the mask . . . well,
he had his reasons for that as well. “I am not a coward,” he told her gruffly.
“I am just not ready for all the attention my return to Society will likely
incur.” She nodded in understanding, but said nothing further. He was grateful
for that.
Author Info
Born in Denmark, Sophie Barnes spent
her youth traveling with her parents to wonderful places all around the world.
She's lived in five different countries, on three different continents, and
speaks Danish, English, French, Spanish and Romanian. She has studied design in
Paris and New York and has a bachelor's degree from Parsons. But, most
impressive of all, she's been married to the same man three times—in three
different countries and in three different dresses.
While living in Africa, Sophie turned
to her lifelong passion: writing. When she's not busy dreaming up her next
romance novel, Sophie enjoys spending time with her family, swimming, cooking,
gardening, watching romantic comedies and, of course, reading. She currently
lives on the East Coast.
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