Lessons of Desire

September 15, 2007
How can an unconventional woman who believes in free lovereconcile herself to a forced marriage? Phaedra, whose fathers dying wish was to publish a tell-all autobiography, has gone to Naples to do some fact-checking before shepublishes the book. The original publisher had approachedcertainmembers of London society and offered to delete their names, for a price. Lord Elliott Rothwell is charged by his brother to payPhaedrato excise a scandalous story about their parents. When Elliott finds her, she is under arrest for causing a duel and for prostitution. Phaedra, with her long red hair unbound, and her refusal to wear corsets, draws attention wherever she goes.The authorities wontallow her and Elliott to leave unless they are married.Phaedra sees their union asnecessary but temporary, whereasElliott begins to find the idea appealing. Can Phaedra go against everything she believesand grab the happiness she may find with him? Hunter scores againwith well-rounded and appealing characters, as well asariveting story.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2007, American Library Association.)