Wicked Temptation

Archer's third Nemesis, Unlimited romance (after Dangerous Seduction) is a well-spun tale of a late 19th-century woman's worldly awakening against the backdrop of an international struggle for justice. Widow Bronwyn Parrish is left destitute when her husband's London estate is drained to pay supposed debts that she never knew existed. Senior Nemesis agent Marco Black, more accustomed to helping members of the downtrodden lower class, is skeptical about aiding this former high society lady but agrees to help recover her stolen money. Bronwyn learns just how sheltered and privileged her life has been when the hunt for the thief leads the pair across the channel to France's most notorious criminal organizations. Impressed by Bronwyn's bravery as they sneak onto trains, run from assassins, and break into houses, Marco discovers that she is more than just another clueless aristocrat, drawing him into a much closer relationship than he expects or is ready for. Smart writing and well-drawn characters elevate this novel beyond the typical historical romance. (June)