When Lady Marion Tunstall collapses at a ball it is not because of the heat, but because she has just seen her husband, Lord Tristan Tunstall, arrive at the ball with an older woman. Her husband who she thought was dead, for the last two years. Her husband whom she loves desperately. As Marion discovers the truth about the last two years, she is both relieved and frustrated. Tristan having been severely injured when a fire raged on his ship, and presumed dead at sea, had amnesia for a short time after his ordeal. But when he regained his memory he believed it better that he let Marion, whom he deeply loves, assume he is dead and move on with her life. Tristan believes he cannot be the husband and protector she needs, because he is blind.

Marion, determined and just as stubborn as her husband, refuses to be put aside by the man she adores, but as they get closer, Tristan pushes her away and flees for London. Unsure what to do, she waits for him to come to his senses. But when a surprise discovery forces her to go to him, Tristan agrees that they will remain married but makes it clear he never wants to be a father. He feels a child would only be disappointed in having a blind father, who is still battling his demons and fear of fire.

When Marion's secret is revealed, Tristan lashes out her, cruelly telling her to leave and never come back. But when a fire engulfs his townhouse, with Marion trapped inside, will Tristan be able to conquer all of his fears to rescue the woman he loves, or will it be too late?

THE BARON'S BETRAYAL by Callie Hutton is a thoroughly engrossing Regency tale and I enjoy the unusual angle of the plot. Tristan is such a loveable character and it is infuriating to watch him push Marion away again and again. Marion is spirited, determined and has a modern girl mentality - she knows what she wants and will not give up easily. THE BARON'S BETRAYAL by Callie Hutton is a wonderful romance and is definitely worth a read.

Book Summary

It's been two years since Lady Marion Tunstall lost her husband at sea. Two years of sorrow and grief. Only now has the young, comely widow finally re-entered society. It isn't until she and her family attend the merriment of a country dance that Lady Marion sees her dead husband, alive and well... and faints dead away.

Lord Tristan Tunstall has no choice but to confess - he is alive, yes, but not a whole man who can be a husband and father. When he offers her a divorce, however, Marion stubbornly refuses. Now she has forced herself back into his life, and into his home and (oh, God forgive his weakness) his bed. He cannot stop himself from wanting her. Loving her. But can he live with the secret she is keeping from him?