Lady Catherine Mabry, daughter of the Duke of Greystone, is a most unusual and determined woman. She seeks a killer,
one who can rid her best friend, Winnie, from an abusive husband, the Duke of Avendale, whom Catherine believes killed
his previous two wives.
She secretly seeks out Lucian Langdon, the Earl of Claybourne, for rumors have it that Lucian killed the previous
Earl’s remaining son and heir. When she arrives at Lucian’s home to strike a deal, he is surprised at Catherine’s
request, but soon realizes that she is the means for him to finally achieve his greatest desire. He quickly strikes
a bargain: he will dispose of the man Catherine wants killed if she will teach his closet friend, Frannie Darling,
how to fit into aristocratic society.
Lucian was but a lad when ruffians killed his parents. Jack Dodger took the orphan, and others, under his wing
and taught them how to survive on the streets. Frannie was among those children, the first to provide comfort to
the frightened Lucian. Lucian has loved her ever since and when, a few years later, the Earl’s son attacked Fannie,
Lucian sought revenge. Prison would have been his fate, had the Earl not seen a family resemblance in Lucian’s eyes
and believed the boy was his lost grandson.
Now, Catherine has made a bargain with a devil to protect her closest friend. She and Lucian meet secretly, then
head for Jack Dodger’s gaming hall where Fannie works. Over the course of time, Catherine and Lucian gain each other’s
respect and trust. Then, Lucian’s coach is attacked by ruffians and Catherine is wounded protecting him. It’s clear
that someone else is intent on murder, and they are the intended victims. But who wants to kill them, and why?
In Bed with the Devil is an exciting historical romance involving an intriguing mystery, compassionate
leading characters and believable scenarios. The secondary characters provide an added dimension to the fast-paced
plot. This is one of the best historical romances I’ve read this year and one I highly recommend. A definite
keeper!