A TOUCH OF PASSION is the third book in the Disgraced Lords series by Bronwen Evans. If you've been following this amazing series than you know that at its core are the infamous Libertine Scholars a group of young men with very diverse backgrounds but who are as close to each other as brothers. When one is in trouble they join ranks. A TOUCH OF PASSION is a wonderful addition to this historical romance series and reintroduces several of the characters from the first two books. Each of these stories definitely stands on its own but there is a thread that runs through them all. I am certain Bronwen Evans has an amazing end to this mystery -- we are just not there yet. But that's okay after all I was a huge Dallas fan and cliffhangers are a favorite. In the meantime welcome to A TOUCH OF PASSION.

Life teaches so many lessons and for many those lessons leave an indelible mark. We learn how to love from our parent's example. And what happens when left with an unfortunate impression about love and marriage. People love in many different ways and sometimes that's what makes coupling so interesting. In historical romances love sometimes appears to be the least important facet of a marriage. If there is love than that is certainly an unexpected bonus -- at least to some.

Not to Portia -- love is the most important and she learned that from her parents who were openly affectionate to each other as well as to Portia and her brothers. When Grayson came to live with her family he learned this kind of love with the total acceptance of Portia's family. Grayson became a member of this large loving family complete with brothers and a sister. But Grayson's past has left him wary of opening his heart to love anyone completely. When they leave the hurt remains and this is the life lesson Grayson learned.

When Portia and Grayson are faced with a dilemma that could rock each of their worlds and adversely affect Portia's reputation, not to mention put her very life in peril, they are faced with a challenging decision. Grayson has immense feelings for Portia and will of course do anything to protect her including marriage. But Portia is determined to marry for one reason only -- love. Portia wants a marriage like her parents -- tough to find in polite society but she is tough, intelligent, and independent and way ahead of her peers in a woman's right to chart her own path.

Grayson has his sights set more narrowly -- he has to protect Portia in any way possible. His motives are honorable but he knows his work is cut out for him. Convincing Portia is daunting. Protecting Portia has become challenging as a very devious force has targeted her. This will definitely tax all Grayson's resources and if he loses his heart along the way -- that may be the price he has to pay -- for Portia.

This series just gets better and better. A TOUCH OF PASSION is mesmerizing. The story is filled with romance and mystery. Bronwen Evans pits this group of old friends against a common enemy who remains elusive. We are on a mission. Only the most cunning and intelligent player will survive. The danger is real -- palatable. But fear not the Libertine Scholars are once again on the case. Love it.

Book Summary

In the latest Disgraced Lords novel from  USA Today bestselling author Bronwen Evans, a vivacious thrill seeker clashes with her dutiful defender—causing irresistible sparks to fly.

Independent and high-spirited, Lady Portia Flagstaff has never been afraid to take a risk, especially if it involves excitement and danger. But this time, being kidnapped and sold into an Arab harem is the outcome of one risk too many. Now, in order to regain her freedom, she has to rely on the deliciously packaged Grayson Devlin, Viscount Blackwood, a man who despises her reckless ways—and stirs in her a thirst for passion.

After losing his mother and two siblings in a carriage accident years ago, Grayson Devlin promised Portia’s dying brother that he’d always watch over his wayward sister. But having to travel to Egypt to rescue the foolhardy girl has made his blood boil. Grayson already has his hands full trying to clear his best friend and fellow Libertine Scholar of a crime he didn’t commit. Worse still, his dashing rescue has unleashed an unforeseen and undesired consequence: marriage. Now it’s more than Portia he has to protect . . . it’s his battered heart.

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