From the beginning you are drawn in to the hero's pain and guilt. A guilt that blinds him. Philip has a good relationship with a woman who ignites his passion and soothes his soul as much as he will allow.

Rose has had feelings for Philip since she was very young. They never pursued a relationship until much later in life. She is a widow who has a five year old son, he has the title of a Duke at a very young age. Rose realizes she never wanted to marry again or have more children... until now. The only man she would ever consider would be Philip. She has had many lovers, but he has made her heart beat again.

These two now have a very complex journey and evil is also lurking. The Libertine Scholars and their wives are delightful.

This is a very good read.

I received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review. The story revolves around Phillip who inherits his brother's title if Earl after he saves his life at Waterloo. Phillip always believed his brother should never have died in order to save his life on the battlefield. His grief and shame caused him to deny himself a family of his own. He fell into an affair with Rose, who was a widow, and came to love her. He did not feel as though he deserved her and refused to marry her. Events happen, kidnapping and attempted murder of Rose and her son that caused him to realize that his brother would not have wanted him to deprive himself of happiness. The book us well written and retains your interest. I would highly recommend this book as it is of the same high standards as the other books written by Evans.