ONE NIGHT OF PASSION

Set during the Napoleonic wars, this fast-moving intrigue portrays the romance between an English spy and the gutsy daughter of an English spymaster. Upon learning that her uncle has promised her in marriage to an aging roué—and that her unknown guardian, Lord Danvers, has approved the match—Georgie Escott vows to thwart their plans in the only way possible—to ruin herself. At the Cyprian Ball, she meets Colin Danvers, an officer who's been branded a traitor. Ignorant of Colin's identity, Georgie goes through with her plan and leaves him after a single night. One year later, Colin rescues an English spy from attacking French forces and runs into Georgie, her baby and her sister, Kit, in the midst of the melee. Georgie has been posing as a widow for the past year, but she doesn't rejoice when Colin hauls her onto his ship, especially when she learns his identity. Instead, she demands to try her luck with the French. Those who have read Boyle's previous book, Once Tempted, may experience a sense of déjà vu here. The setup is virtually the same: a spy falls in lust with a spirited woman, but each suspects the other of being a traitor. This formulaic offering, however, is saved by Boyle's intrepid heroine, whose bold and sometimes foolhardy deeds infuse the narrative with humor and suspense. (July 2)