His Scandalous Kiss: Secrets at Thorncliff Manor

Sophie Barnes

Jul 2016 · HarperCollins

About this ebook

A masquerade ball reveals the heart’s secret desires in this scintillating Regency romance from the bestselling author of The Earl’s Complete Surrender.

Richard Heartly has exiled himself from society since the war, plotting his revenge for a terrible betrayal. A masked ball at Thorncliff Manor is intended to be a brief diversion. Instead, he encounters a fascinating young woman as entranced by the music as he is. He can’t reveal his identity to Lady Mary. But her siren song keeps drawing him back, and their clandestine meetings could be hazardous to his plan—and to her virtue . . .

Avoiding an unwanted marriage was easy when Lady Mary was ignored by the ton. Thanks to her dazzling appearance at the masquerade, she’s a wallflower no longer. Eligible suitors abound, yet the only man she wants is the brooding, seductive companion who keeps his face hidden. A man who tempts her to disclose her own shocking secret, one that could divide them forever . . .

“Has just the right amount of enchantment mixed with poignancy to fulfill readers’ fantasies. The depth of emotions, the light of the redeeming power of love, and the intrigue and suspense make this third installment Barnes’ strongest tale to date.” —RT Book Reviews (4 stars)

Ratings and reviews

Having read as many books as I have, it's easy for me to make a decision on how I feel about a particular story and author writing style. Sophie Barnes made that harder for me with His Scandalous Kiss. Ms. Barnes is a masterful storyteller. Her imagery is so vivid that I felt like I was experiencing the story first hand. Thorncliff Manor proved to be the best setting for the unfolding romance of Mary and Richard. One reason is the place was as mysterious as the event that took place there. Another is that it added to the undercurrent of seduction between the two main characters. Secrets, suspense, romance and sensuality abound with this novel. Copyright of Night Owl Reviews

About the author

Born in Denmark, USA TODAY bestselling author Sophie Barnes spent her youth traveling with her parents to wonderful places all around the world. She's lived in five different countries, on three different continents, and speaks Danish, English, French, Spanish, and Romanian. But, most impressive of all, she's been married to the same man three times—in three different countries and in three different dresses.

When she's not busy dreaming up her next romance novel, Sophie enjoys spending time with her family, swimming, cooking, gardening, watching romantic comedies and, of course, reading.