Merriam Everett overhears a handsome rogue dismiss her as forgettable and not worthy of a second glance. She knows Society perceives her as a shy widow or, as her late father nicknamed her, "a timid mouse." Married at a young age to settle her father's debt, Merriam's older husband required a biddable wife, which she became. But no longer will she fade into the woodwork. Fury governs Merriam as she rejects the rake and Society. The mouse, with the help from an unusual friend, transforms herself into a beguiling cat at a masquerade ball where she plans to seduce the rake. Instead, Merriam seduces the wrong man.

Drake Sotherton, the Duke of Sussex, returns to England from his self-imposed exile following his wife's murder. Drake plans vengeance on the man he believes killed her. Attending a masquerade ball, a masked temptress engages Drake in a memorable interlude. When he uncovers her identity, Drake thinks Merriam is involved with his enemy. Changing his strategy, Drake plans to dangle Merriam before his nemesis, hoping jealousy will cause his enemy to make a mistake. Keeping Merriam close, he promises her a decadent Season as his mistress.

Merriam enters the arrangement knowing her quiet life will cease to exist, but the temptation is too great. Drake desires her as no one has before. Falling for Drake would be a mistake, but one she makes as their erotic interludes proceed. She hopes he will forget his past and embrace a future with her.

Ms. Bernard's debut novel is filled with steamy and erotic scenes. The plot is solid and the ending holds many surprises. She intrigues readers further with tantalizing glimpses into the lives of two secondary characters who will be in her next historical novel.

Book Summary

Merriam Everett has always been regarded as a shy, docile creature. But for one night, Merriam the Mouse has become a temptress who will recklessly take her pleasure with the arrogant earl who once slighted her, and then leave him aching with lust. A fine plan, if Merriam had not just seduced the wrong rogue!

Drake Sotherton left England amid dark speculation and has returned to seek vengeance against Julian Clay, the man he believes murdered his wife. Convinced that the masked beauty who seduced him is Julian's pawn, Drake tracks her down and proposes that she become his mistress for the Season. Every sensual desire, every secret longing will be explored...and fulfilled.

But keeping his enemy close is a dangerous game. Merriam is an irresistible mix of innocence and abandon, and each encounter proves more soul-searing than the last. With a passion this wild, this wonderful, one Season will never be enough....