The Danger of Desire
In order to successfully complete his latest interesting “special” assignment for the British government, naval captain Hugh McAlden needs a thief. Fortunately for Hugh, pickpocket Meggs Tanner decides to relieve him of his pocket watch that very same day. Convincing Meggs to come and work for him isn’t easy, but eventually Hugh persuades her that the monetary reward will be well worth her time. All Meggs has to do is infiltrate an upper-class household in the guise of a new maid and steal some papers. Hugh soon discovers that training Meggs for her new role is much easier than letting her go once the mission is completed. Strongly developed characters, vivid writing, and an abundance of steamy sensuality all add up to another winner for literary newcomer Essex, who is quickly perfecting her ability to deliver well-crafted historical romances fueled by equal measures of sizzling passion and dangerous intrigue. --John Charles