A desperate woman. A man with a secret. An undeniable passion...
Scientist Emmeline Griffith needs a husband-just long enough to prevent the loss of her inheritance. The arrangement will be all business...but she didn't count on her attraction to the virile detective who steps into the role.
Private investigator Bartholomew Turner thought he had his secret demons under control. But when a marriage-in-name-only turns into something far more enduring, he must confront both his past and the danger that's stalking Emmie in order to claim the woman he loves.
An American-set late Victorian romance, Shadows and Masks is the first book in The Chessmen series--steamy, emotional stories of strong heroines who pursue non-traditional roles, and the flawed heroes who love them.
Heat level--sensual with some graphic sex scenes. Readers interested in sweet romance--this isn't it.