Seduced by a Scoundrel

After her father's violent death, it's up to Lady Alicia Pemberton to care for her dotty mother and profligate brother, all the while struggling to make ends meet in Regency London. When her brother gambles away the last of their money, a desperate Alicia offers herself to the infamous gaming hall proprietor Drake Wilder. He in turn proposes marriage. She refuses, but Drake makes it impossible for her to say no. Alicia finally agrees--but to a marriage in name only. Drake believes it's his marital right to seduce her, and so their battle of wills begins. Alicia introduces her husband to society, and he charms them all, especially the women. But she is baffled by his two-sided personality: is he a ruthless gambler or a generous benefactor? They become lovers and decide to make the best of their marriage, until Alicia learns that Drake had purposely ruined her family and is using her as a pawn in his devious plot to further fill his coffers. Smith (Too Wicked to Love) brings a refreshing twist to a familiar plot in this sensual historic romance. (Dec.)