Ella St. James' life is based on lies. Living as the Countess of Lanshire, society believes she's a widow with excellent linage. The truth would land her in an insane asylum. She's actually a member of Lavender House, a home for a coven of gifted witches who are involved in secret government affairs. When her latest mission ends in disaster, Ella rejects any more assignments and looks into her friend's death. Too many questions are left unanswered and a vague sense of impending disaster leaves Ella uneasy.

Sir Drake returns wounded from a bloody naval battle revered as the new hero of the day. He allows this charade to continue knowing it will help in his investigation of his sister's mysterious death. Since Drake's cold father had sent him to sea as a boy and not allowed him home, Drake had little contact with his beloved sister. His social skills are virtually non-existent, but he will persevere until he finds the answers he seeks.

Drake encounters Ella after ruffians assault her at a party. Ella's responses are vague and she covers her intelligence with inane chatter. After he foils another attempt on Ella's life, Drake tries to ensnare her with the attraction that sparks between them. The mutually strong chemistry waylays their plans. Ella enchants Drake but fear keeps her from revealing her secrets...

Ms. Greiman begins a promising new Witches of Mayfair trilogy with an intriguing story of a beguiling young woman struggling to accept her past failures. She pairs Ella with Drake, a man battling his own guilt. The magic and romance meld seamlessly, and hints of future storylines appear involving the coven and its murky history.

Book Summary

To London society, they were nothing more than a group of well-bred ladies gathering to gossip about the bachelors of the town. But the women of Lavender House share an uncommon gift that will lead them to days filled with danger-and nights of unquenchable desire.

With her smoldering glances and dazzling beauty, Ella St. James, Countess of Lanshire, could bewitch any man. But she isn't about to squander her unique attentions on the mundane task of finding a husband. After all, the perfect man is a mere fantasy, and she has more urgent worries. A close friend and fellow Lavender House lady has gone missing, and Ella is determined to find her. But everywhere she turns, she only finds the handsome, alluring, and troublemaking Thomas Donovan.

Thomas has secrets of his own, secrets that could destroy him, and his attraction to the tantalizing Ella is a terrible risk. Yet when her investigation leads her into mortal peril, Thomas cannot help but try to rescue her, love her, and devour her . . . for he has fallen under her spell.