The Bride Wore Scarlet

May 16, 2011
Carlyle continues the Fraternitas paranormal Victorian trilogy (after One Touch of Scandal) with sizzling passion and romance. Anaïs de Rohan has spent much of her life training, hoping to join the male-only Fraternitas. The earl of Bessett reluctantly allows her to accompany him on a mission to Brussels where they must pose as husband and wife in order to rescue a young child who has the ability to see into the future. The pretense leads to real attraction that Bessett and Anaïs find impossible to ignore, and they also connect on a much deeper level. Bessett admires Anaïs's skill with a sword as well as her quick wit and intelligence, and Anaïs admires Bessett's compassion and caring despite his occasional dictatorial moments. Readers will eagerly look forward to the stunning conclusion as well as the next installment in this well-crafted series.

Starred review from June 1, 2011
In a secret society that has existed for centuries, rules are everything for the Fraternitas Aureae Crucis. And one of the group's most important rulesif not the most importantis that no woman would ever be granted membership. Which is exactly why so many members, including Lord Geoff Bessett, become a bit cranky when they discover that the latest acolyte into their group turns out to be Anais de Rohan. Despite her impeccable training and her own version of the gift, almost everyone in the society is determined to get Anais out of their London headquarters and out of their lives immediately. Unfortunately, the society's latest mission is one that may require the expertise of a woman, which is exactly how Anais finds herself traveling to Brussels as Bessett's new wife. Carlyle's lusciously rich characterization, inventive plot spiked with danger and unexpected twists, and deliciously dry sense of humor make The Bride Wore Scarlet a near-perfect read.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2011, American Library Association.)