January 16, 2012
London follows The Year of Living Scandalously with a lovely Georgian-era romantic mystery that easily stands on its own. As a child, Tobin Scott saw his innocent father hang for stealing the countess of Ashwood’s jewels, condemned by the testimony of young Lily Boudine, the countess’s niece and ward. Fifteen years later, Lily reluctantly returns to Ashwood after inheriting the title and rundown estate. She is confronted by Tobin, now Count Eberlin, who is determined to have his vengeance. When Lily begs Tobin not to drive her to bankruptcy, his response is an indecent proposal: Lily’s virtue for Ashwood’s survival. As Lily struggles to buy time, the two find their adult emotions come into play as they agree to work together and find the missing jewels. The mystery isn’t solved here, but London’s story is satisfying as it builds on the excellent chemistry of the leads, gracefully unfolding with the perfect amount of tension. Agent: Jenny Bent, the Bent Agency.
February 15, 2012
Now wealthy and titled, Tobin Scott, Count Eberlin of Denmark, has come back to Hadley Green after 15 years for one reason only: to destroy Ashwood and its new countess, Lily Boudine, the woman whose childhood testimony caused his father to be hung for a theft he didn't commit. Bit by bit, Tobin makes his assault, chipping away at her people and lands. Yet when Tobin's actions begin to hurt the people who remain at Ashwood, Lily confronts him, and he makes her an outrageously improper offer--one she can't refuse. VERDICT Old secrets, missing jewels, and a search for the truth drive the action in this intriguing, touching, vengeance-driven story that picks up where The Year of Living Scandalously leaves off. The next in the series, The Seduction of Lady X, is due in April. London lives in Round Rock, TX.
Copyright 2012 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
February 15, 2012
As far as Tobin Scott, Count Eberlin, is concerned, revenge is a dish best served cold. Fifteen years ago, Tobin's father was executed for stealing the Countess of Ashwood's jewels. Even though Tobin knew his father was innocent, it didn't matter, since Lily Boudine, the countess' young ward, swore she saw Joseph Scott fleeing from Ashwood the night the jewels went missing. Now Tobin has returned home to Hadley Green with one goal, to grind Ashwood into dust. When Lily realizes Tobin is the one slowly and methodically destroying her estate, she panics. Given Ashwood's greatly diminished revenue, there is no way she can fight Tobin financially. Once they finally meet face-to-face, however, Tobin does offer Lily an unexpected choice. He can ruin Ashwood, or he can ruin Lily. London's flair for creating beautifully nuanced characters, sizzling sexual chemistry, dry wit, and a graceful style makes for remarkable richness and depth.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2012, American Library Association.)