Miss Emily Grey's lies have successfully installed her into the prominent Leland family. They believe her to be their son's widow whom he wed while he served in India. Emily's quiet and reserved behavior endears her, as well as her reluctance to accept an allowance and a new wardrobe. When her "husband" returns from the dead, Emily waits for him to expose her. Her luck holds as he has limited amnesia from his war wounds.

Captain Matthew Leland played the dutiful and good son until he thought he would explode. Matthew joined the army and reveled in the freedom it allowed him. His bravery is noted, but his recklessness leads to arrogance. A terrible and tragic mistake occurs, making him review his choices. After a brutal battle, he receives a severe wound. When Matthew realizes the army listed him as dead, he races home to his grieving family, only to come face to face with his -- wife?

Matthew decides not to expose Emily until he can determine her motives. She proves to be an excellent actress having deceived everyone for a year. Matthew loves matching wits with her and finds himself falling under her spell.

Ms. Callen engages readers in Emily and Matthew's seductive dance as Emily's true identity is shrouded in mystery. The clues unfold with slow precision leaving readers wavering. Is Emily a schemer or a desperate survivor?

Book Summary

The prodigal returns . . .

It's an absolute scandal when Captain Matthew Leland arrives at Madingley Court. Presumed dead in battle, his sudden appearance gives the ton quite the shock. But no one is more surprised than Matthew, because waiting for him at home is a bewitching, blue-eyed beauty - and she claims to be his wife!

Miss Emily Grey was alone in the world when a knight in shining armor came to her rescue, claimed her heart, and then disappeared. But now her little white lie, a desperate act of self-preservation, has come back to haunt her. Her husband, once a far-off fantasy, is now a flesh-and-blood man who insists she share his bed . . .

Matthew has no memory of any marriage to this scheming seductress, and he's determined to expose her in every way. But a life with the exquisite Emily will prove irresistible . . . and a marriage of deception will become a marriage of sweet, sweet surrender.

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