Lady Julianna Sterling gave up the idea of a husband and babies the day she was left standing at the altar. She survived the scandal following her abandonment and now, four years later, society deems her on the shelf. The boring life Julianna leads comes to an unexpected halt when a famous highwayman, the Magpie, takes her captive. Stranded with him in a remote cottage, Julianna discovers the depths of her courage as she and the Magpie form an uneasy relationship. Julianna lowers her guard and reveals her fears and dreams. Believing he deeply cares for her, she asks him to leave his life of crime. Her heart breaks when the Magpie refuses and returns her home.

Viscount Dane Granville masquerades as the Magpie to catch a spy responsible for murder and treason. Dane challenges his own fear of death by embracing the danger and tempting fate. His mission, known only to a few in the Home Office, is to unearth the culprit by stealing funds intended for him. The last job proves his undoing. Along with the money, he captures a lovely woman who fills the void in his life. Giving her up proves to be the hardest challenge he's ever undertaken.

Julianna's luck runs true. She falls in love with a highwayman and not a hero. She refuses to regret their time together and resolves to continue her life. However, fate intervenes and Dane must decide if he'll risk everything for love.

A PERFECT HERO is an emotional and compelling ending to the Sterling trilogy. Ms. James fills the tale with an unexpected character and some surprises that will keep readers guessing until the conclusion.

Book Summary

Can a perfect scoundrel be the perfect hero?

Since she was cruelly left at the altar at the age of twenty-two, Lady Julianna Sterling has resolved to have nothing to do with men. So she is shocked to discover she has unwelcome feelings for the very worst of the breed -- a dangerous, unbearably handsome highwayman who has set upon her coach in the countryside and taken her captive. Worse still, her righteous ire turns quickly to disappointment when the irresistible outlaw sets her free.

Viscount Dane Granville knows he should not have revealed his face to the enchanting Lady Julianna -- for he has compromised the secret mission he has undertaken for the Crown in the guise of the notorious Magpie. Now their paths are crossing once more, and Dane aches to taste again the sweetness of her kiss. But he must resist what his heart demands, for their passion can only lead to perils beyond imagining ...

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