Alejandro Navarro Vasquez, the Conde Olivares, has long desired vengeance…. His wife betrayed him with an act that, by the proud Spaniard's code, was unforgivable. What's more, the breakdown of their marriage is a bitter truth that undermines Alejandro's every achievement. Alejandro's opportunity for justice comes when the private detective he's hired pinpoints Jemima's whereabouts…and delivers the news that she has a two-year-old son. Clearly her wanton ways have led to an illegitimate birth…. But no matter: Alejandro is determined to settle the score with his runaway wife.

Comedy and romance is what happens to Sabrina as she's trying to get her head around becoming a young widow. Her great-aunt dies and Sabrina discovers a long lost relative, who is a bit of a challenge to say the least. Sabrina also suffers from a severe sleep disorder as she deals with her family, friends, ex-boyfriends and neighbours. Then throw in the street party from hell, just as something scary is found in a nearby shed. Sabrina starts off dating a doctor but swiftly falls for her mother's new husband. So she tries to hide this fact but when a couple of male escorts make her acquaintance, some secrets will tend to come out in the end. Only a decent night's sleep stands between her and a descent into a very deep hole. All in all, she'll be a lucky lady indeed to come out of it alive.

While sketching in a wooded grove, Lady Jemima Vale encounters a young actress who witnessed a murder in the grove . . . and her rescuer, the notorious libertine Beecham Bryce. When he insists young Lovelace Wellesley take shelter at his nearby home, Lady Jemima offers to act as chaperon, not realizing her maidenly reserve will soon be shattered by her devilish host. Regency Romance by Nancy Butler, originally published by Signet; winner of the 2000 RITA.