For two years, Grayson had lived with suggestions that something horrible had happened to make his new bride, Verity, vanish on their wedding day -- and some even dared hint that he killed her. When he stumbles across her, hiding in the country, he is furious but oddly kind to her. And as he listens to her insist that she was forced by her cousin, Bertram, into the marriage, he begins to wonder whether he can hold her to their arrangement as he originally intended.

Verity knew she couldn't disappear forever. But she is still horrified at being found by her husband, Grayson, and is determined to have the marriage dissolved. It can be, too, if she can prove that Bertram coerced her. To buy herself time, she caves to the ridiculous request from Grayson that he will be happy -- for awhile -- if she promises not to disappear again and that she will give him three kisses per day.

My favorite part of every Madeline Hunter book -- and I've read them all -- is becoming acquainted with her characters. Grayson is particularly likable in this book, although one wonders a bit at how calm he stays with Verity when he has all but been accused of her murder. This sensual, compelling read will leave readers anxious for the next Rarest Blooms sequel.

Book Summary

Their marriage was arranged, but their desire was not...

After two years, Grayson Bridlington, The Earl of Hawkeswell, has located his missing bride Verity Thompson. Coerced into marrying Hawkeswell by her duplicitous cousin, Verity fled London for the countryside. Now, the couple must make the most of an arranged marriage-even if it means surrendering to their shared desire.

Read an Excerpt