Christian Stratton is a second son and a war hero. Near the end of his service, a madman accuses Christian of killing his wives (yes, plural) and children. He injures and scars Christian, but says he will let him live so that he can watch everyone he loves die. Now, four years later, the insane Bolkhov has begun to exact his revenge. Christian's father and brother are dead, and he is now Viscount Palmer. He has to track down Bolkhov before he kills Christian's sister or mother. The trail leads him to Everleigh's auction house, where he encounters a young woman stealing letters from the owner's desk.

Lily Monroe, now using the name of Lilah Marshall, has worked hard to escape her humble beginnings and her criminal uncle, Nick. While Nick took care of the orphaned Lily and her sister, he never hesitated to use them in his illegal ventures. Lily has learned to act and speak like a lady, and has a job with Everleigh's as a hostess. Yet, she's obligated to perform one last task for her uncle, and then she is finished with him. It's just her bad luck that she is caught by Viscount Palmer, who now requires that she help him in exchange for his silence.

Palmer arranges for Catherine Eversleigh, with Lily acting as her assistant, to stay at one of his homes, ostensibly to catalogue the contents for auction. In reality, Palmer intends to court the aloof Catherine, with the intent of finding out what information she has about Bolkhov. Lily's duties are to promote his suit in a positive light to Catherine, and to pass along any information she obtains. In exchange, Palmer will keep quiet about her theft and return the stolen letters that he pilfered from Lily.

Yet, something magical begins to happen between the thief who wants to be a lady, and the war hero obsessed with killing his tormentor. Palmer and Lily begin to develop a respect and a liking for each other. There was a strong physical attraction from the beginning, but now it's become more. Passion and love enter the picture, but Palmer is so obsessed with Bolkhov that he'll go so far as marrying Catherine to find what he needs in order to destroy him.

LADY BE GOOD packs an emotional wallop! Palmer is a guilt ridden hero, who is committed to protecting those he loves, even at the cost of his own happiness. Lily is strong, courageous and determined to help the man she loves, even if she can't claim him as hers. I adored both of them. Meredith Duran skillfully takes the story to its exciting climax with help coming from unexpected sources. I found everything I need to be a happy reader - romance, passion, heartbreak, excitement, suspense, and a stellar resolution. This is definitely one of my favorite books of the year, and I give it my highest recommendation.

Book Summary

The third searing novel in the Rules for the Reckless series by Meredith Duran, the USA TODAY bestselling author of sexy and evocative Regency romances in the tradition of Sarah MacLean.

CATCHING THE LADY RED-HANDED Born to a family of infamous criminals, Lilah Marshall has left behind her past and made herself into the perfect lady. Working as a hostess at Everleigh's, London’s premier auction house, she leads a life full of art, culture, and virtue. All her dreams are within reach—until a gorgeous and enigmatic viscount catches her in the act of one last, very reluctant theft.

CHASING ONE RED-HOT PASSION Christian “Kit” Stratton, Viscount Palmer, is society's most dashing war hero. But Kit’s easy smiles hide a dark secret: he is haunted by a madman’s vow to destroy anyone he loves. When his hunt for the enemy leads to Everleigh’s Auction Rooms, he compels Lilah to help him. But one tempting touch may be their undoing—for what Kit needs threatens all Lilah holds dear, and losing her may destroy Kit.

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