Amita Murray takes us on a journey from the pleasure gardens of society to the dangerous streets of 19th century London, in this spectacular romantic debut by an unforgettable new voice.
Women mind their reputation if they want to marry. I dont want to marry.
As the eldest daughter of an English earl and his Indian mistress, Lila Marleigh knows what its like to be an outsider from polite society. As children, she and her sisters were wrenched from their home and sent to England, never quite accepted by those who claimed to care for them. Now Lila has set herself up as hostess of an exclusive gaming club, charming the ton that flocks to her establishment each night,though its huns herby day.
One night, Ivor Tristram comes barging through her door, accusing her of being his fathers mistress.Lilade fies his expectations at every step and convinces him to navigate Londons rat pits and pleasure gardens with her, in her quest to solve a violent crime.
As they set out together to uncover the truth, an irresistible passion ignites that will shake them to the core. Lila must fight to protect those she loves, yet the biggest threat is to thesanctity of the heart she has guarded so carefully all her life.