The Counterfeit Mistress

Description

THE BEAUTY. THE SPY. AND THE BEHOLDER. From the beloved New York Times bestselling Madeline Hunter comes this riveting historical romance, in which a darkly handsomenoblemanis determined tounmaska delicate and mysterious young beauty... A refugee from the war in France, Marielle Lyon has established herself at the fringes of London society. Claiming to be the niece of an executed aristocrat, Marielle welcomes the gossip that she is a spy. The more eyes she has watching her, the better protected she is-and the better chance she has of saving her father's life. A warrior at heart, Alban Norwood, Viscount Kendale, would still be in uniform if not for his older brother's untimely death. After all he's seen, Kendale doesn't trust the French-or their femmes fatales. He has set up a surveillance network to ferret out undercover agents, and he believes he's found one in the delicate, mysterious Marielle. Ready to pounce on his tempting prey, Kendale arranges a meeting with Marielle, who is more beautiful and more cunning than he anticipated. But the Viscount is ready to do whatever it takes to unmask her-even if it means playing a game of seduction...

Madeline Hunter has published twenty-three critically acclaimed historical romances. Her books regularly appear on the New York Timesand USA Today bestseller lists. More than five million copies of her books are in print, and her books have been translated into twelve languages. She has won two RITA Awards and is a seven-time RITA finalist. Madeline holds a PhD in art history, which she teaches at the university level.

Further praise for The Counterfeit Mistress:"Madeline Hunter uses a popular Regency spy angle to intriguing effect, keeping readers-and Kendale-guessing as to Marielle's true intentions, while creating a sizzling frame of sexual tension through Kendale and Marielle's seductive dance of truth, daring and consequences. A smooth, sexy and sophisticated spy-themed Regency romance." --Kirkus Reviews "Replete with action, adventure, humor, and lots of delicious dialogue...This is a book I highly recommend for an enthralling read."-Romance Junkies "Hunter is a gifted writer whose careful, engaging sense of plot and character allows her to build sexual tension and suspense. Add to this creative storytelling and graceful prose, and readers have a sexy thrill ride of a spy novel...and an unforgettable read."-RT Book Reviews (Top Pick) "An intriguing read that pulled you in from the first few pages."-Joyfully Reviewed Praise for the novels of Madeline Hunter: "Another stellar Regency-set historical romance that hits all the literary marks. Hunter's effortlessly elegant writing exudes a wicked sense of wit; her characterization is superbly subtle, and the sexual chemistry she cooks up between her deliciously independent heroine and delightfully sexy hero is pure passion." --Booklist (starred review) "Intelligent and memorable...As smart and sharp as the best of Regency romances can be. With its tangy dialogue, Pride and Prejudice themes, bits of mystery and nefarious characters, readers may be reminded of Jane Austen." --Romantic Times (Top Pick) "Hunter's books are so addictive."-Publishers Weekly "Hunter's flowery centerpiece will suit every romance table. Highly recommended."-Library Journal