The Earl's Mistress

May 25, 2015
Carlyle (Close Call) deftly combines mesmerizing romance with a hint of mystery in this enticing Regency page-turner. When widowed Isabella Aldridge applies to be a governess to the young daughter of Anthony, Lord Hepplewood, the dissolute earl tells Isabella that he would prefer her as his mistress. Isabella is infuriated that the nobleman would treat her so callously, even as she is inexplicably drawn to him. But she can't find work anywhere else, and she's desperate to support herself and her two younger siblings. What begins as a means of survival becomes much more when she and Hepplewood meet again, and she can't help but succumb to his allure. The encounters between Anthony and Isabella are extremely sensuous while supporting excellent character development. Anthony appears initially to be somewhat cruel, but Isabella soon realizes a most lovable man hides under his loutish exterior, and Anthony discovers that Isabella's staid behavior disguises true passion. Their story of mutual discovery will charm fans of historical romances. Agent: Nancy Yost, Nancy Yost Literary Agency.

Starred review from September 15, 2014
The nerve of the man! Isabella Aldridge arrives at the earl of Hepplewood's country estate prepared to assume her duties as governess for his young daughter, Felicity. Unfortunately, the earl, Wiliam Mowbrey, has a very different position in mind for Isabella. Outraged by his scandalous proposition, Isabella indignantly returns home, only to later realize that he may have been right all along. Because of the scandalous reputation of Isabella's previous employer, the marchioness of Petershaw, no one is willing to hire Isabella as a governess. Desperate for money, Isabella comes to terms with the fact that she will have to become the mistress of this wealthy, discrete gentleman. What Isabella doesn't know is that the earl's full name is Anthony Tarleton William Mowbrey Chalfont, the infamously wicked and dissolute rake. Will the incorrigible earl be redeemed by the power of one courageous woman's love? In her latest exquisitely written and darkly inquisitive romance, RITA Awardwinning Carlyle (The Bride Wore Pearls, 2012) offers her signature and brilliant blend of superbly nuanced characters, bold sensuality, and deliciously dry wit in a romance to truly treasure.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2014, American Library Association.)