When they meet again, four years later, she's just coming out of mourning, and it's only fitting that Lucien, who had always been such a good friend, accompany Katharine on her first outing since she became a widow, at the Kingsborough Ball. It seems everyone but Katherine knows how much Lucien is in love with her, but Katherine herself. Then Lucien decides to make her notice him, and pretends to set his sights on the lovely Lady Julie, who is eying an untitled rake; they agree their spending some time together might serve each other's purpose. Katherine is shocked that she should care, but then a most unexpected event changes everything.

THE DANGER IN TEMPTING AN EARL is the third instalment in the Kingsborough Ball series, but can easily be read as a standalone. Ms. Barnes is such a splendid writer, this book should be read by anybody who can appreciate how beautiful the English language is when handled by an author of such breathtaking talent! Ms. Barnes' attention to detail sweeps the reader right into the period and the setting, the dialogues ring true. The author's prose is elegant, refined and effortlessly fluid, and just when you are drifting on waves of loveliness, a stunning and violent event occurs in a shocking plot twist that has a significant impact in the story line.

THE DANGER IN TEMPTING AN EARL features well-developed and interesting characters, and Katherine and Lucien are rather unlike those we often come across in historical novels: the male is the protagonist who is hopelessly infatuated, he behaves like a gentleman, and the heroine does not suddenly mutate from a skittish prude into a wanton hussy; the romance is believable, tender and honest. THE DANGER IN TEMPTING AN EARL is a spectacularly well-written romance that will please those who enjoy a bit of mystery and adventure as well!

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