The Sinner

November 24, 2003
Another devastatingly sexy Dueling Society member must face the sins of his past in order to win the heart of a strong-willed, incomparable woman in this post–Regency-era romance from Hunter (The Charmer
, etc.). When notorious lover Dante Duclairc accidentally shoots lovely Fleur Monley in her "rear nether region" as she flees her stepfather's plans to control her fortune and future, Dante gives up his own plan to escape his outstanding debts in order to rescue Fleur. Her stepfather is only delayed, however, not defeated. In order to protect herself from him, Fleur offers Dante a proposal: In exchange for a "white marriage" (one without physical intimacy) and Dante's promise not to interfere with her finances, she'll pay off his debts. But even blackmailers, double-dealing and whispers of his new wife's strange behavior cannot quell Dante's determination to have Fleur accept him in her bed and in her heart. Packed with sensuality and foreboding undertones, this book boasts rich historical details and characters possessing unusual depth and vitality, traits that propel it beyond the standard historical romance fare.

December 1, 2003
Dante Duclairc is one of the most beautiful men in England. His prowess with women is legendary, and he is much sought after, but now he finds himself deep in debt and on the run from creditors. Hidden in a cottage on his brother's land, he shoots at trespassers, including, to his surprise, his brother's ex-fiancee, Fleur Monley, who is dressed in men's clothing. Considered to be a virtuous spinster, Fleur is involved in a secret project and has unknowingly allied herself with nefarious men, among them her stepfather, who has been virtually holding her prisoner while trying to get her declared insane. Fleur proposes marriage to Dante, in name only, to save him from debtor's prison and to save herself from the machinations of others. Dante agrees, but it is very difficult for him to maintain the status quo and to rescue Fleur from a situation of her own making. Sensual, intriguing, and absorbing, prolific Hunter scores again.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2003, American Library Association.)