Gayle Renshaw wanted to be a doctor more than anything. But in a world where a woman's place is in the home, she had little chance of attaining her dream. Gayle's hopes of becoming a doctor become a real possibility when she learns a dark secret about London physician, Rowan West. Through careful manipulation and blackmail, Gayle insinuates herself into Rowan's medical practice in the hopes of fulfilling her dream of practicing medicine.

When Rowan comes home one night, the last thing he expects to find is a beautiful woman waiting for him in the wee hours of the morning. But the innocent looking beauty comes armed with dangerous information which could destroy Rowan's career. Her terms are simple: hire her as his apprentice or she will destroy his perfect reputation. Rowan thought his past was long forgotten and no longer a threat to his new life, but Gayle Renshaw knows his terrible secret. He must silence her by accepting her as his new apprentice.

Gayle thought Rowan would be the perfect candidate for blackmail. After all, her Aunt Jane described Rowan as the most evil man alive. But as Gayle begins to work side by side with Rowan, she begins to doubt this gentle and caring man is capable of the horrific things her Aunt Jane accused him of. But when Rowan gives in to her blackmail, Gayle accepts that as an admission of guilty.

Gayle and Rowan make the perfect medical team. Rowan is surprised by how quickly Gayle learns the medical duties most people believed only men could perform. Although Gayle gained entry into his life by blackmail, Rowan begins to see that Gayle is just as fragile and tenderhearted as she is beautiful. Still, there is so much Gayle does not know. Although Rowan does his best to keep the rest of his secrets hidden, more ghosts from his past surface. When Gayle's life is in danger, Rowan must tell her the story behind his time in India and the mysterious friends who frequent his home.

ECSTASY WEARS EMERALDS is a gem of a novel! Readers will have their work cut out for them when trying to decide what they love best about the novel. Gayle and Rowan's unexpected and unlikely romance will keep readers guessing how their story will end. Readers interested in feminism or nineteenth-century medicine will find much to love in this novel. ECSTASY WEARS EMERALDS contains fascinating information on nineteenth-century medical procedures and remedies. Romance, mystery, and betrayal -- Renee Bernard delivers it all in one terrific novel!

Book Summary

Like all the Jaded Gentlemen, Dr. Rowan West may have his secrets, but he's done his best to forgive the ghosts of his past and move on with his life. Until the beautiful Miss Gayle Renshaw appears on his doorstep, jeopardizing his medical practice, and, worst of all, his heart.

In her desperation to become a doctor, Gayle uses what she knows of Rowan's fiance's mysterious death to blackmail him into taking her on as an apprentice. With his back against the wall, Rowan agrees, but quickly discovers that Gayle isn't as heartless as she seems. Captivated by his tenacious and brilliant new student, Rowan finds himself surrendering to temptation, just as the enemies of the Jaded start to encroach. Now, with both their lives threatened, Rowan may be forced to give up the woman he loves to save her life...

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