Lady Hermione Marlowe catches sight of her friend's unusual ring on the floor where it must have slipped off her finger. When Hermione picks it up intending to return it, she sees the mysterious rogue she adores enter the room. At that moment, with the ring on her finger, Hermione wishes she could be invisible from dusk to dawn and follow the man of her dreams. She'd be able to discover all his secrets and he'd discover hers. The magical ring grants her wish and the feather-headed Hermione begins an inconceivable escapade.

In the earliest days of England, an ancient queen granted powers to the first Earl of Rockhurst to guard London from demons from another realm. This mission has been passed down through generations. Thomas, the current earl, scours London's street searching for open portals to the demon world so he can close them. Death and destruction are his constant companions. The increased activity of evil worries him. Something is simmering just below the surface.

In the midst of a battle with a demon, Thomas encounters an invisible woman who saves him with her quick reflexes. But Hermione refuses to identify herself. She does not want to see the disappointment in his eyes when she tells him that she's ordinary and her only claim to fame is being a member of the eccentric Marlowe family. Hermione prefers to be his Shadow, the seductive and mysterious woman he desires. Their unusual partnership continues with Thomas trying to discover Hermione's identity until the evil surrounds them and attempts to annihilate them both.

Since I am not a big fan of paranormals, I picked up this novel with trepidation. It did not take me long to become completely engrossed in the tale. Ms. Boyle's trademark humor, enchanting characters and flawless plotting shine through the story. The paranormal elements work well, but it's the characters who grab your heart. A memorable read!

Book Summary

A Secret Admirer . . .

They say he's a shameless rake who cares for nothing but pleasure, a rogue who spends his nights in London's lustiest locales, gambling and carousing until dawn. But Lady Hermione Marlowe refuses to believe that the handsome gentleman she's loved from afar for so long could be so wicked. If only she had a way to prove to the ton that Lord Rockhurst is as proper as the rest. If only she knew what he really did under cover of the night . . .

A Clandestine Encounter . . .

Lord Rockhurst knows what they say about him, and he doesn't care. Let them think his nights are filled with craven debauchery. Only he knows his true purpose, his dangerous goal. But when a mysterious woman falls into his arms — and thereby saves his life — Rockhurst will struggle to save his secret. Who is this creature with such tempting curves and an enticing touch? Rockhurst can only wonder how he can trust her . . . for he knows he cannot resist her.