Wicked Lies (Seduction Romance) [Mass Market Paperback]

Julian found himself in a town where the inhabitants were closed-mouth and his only clue was connected with a mysterious dark-haired, dark-eyed beauty whom he didn't fully trust but was attracted to.

Although Julian was a high ranking British Naval officer and a titled lord, he was also Merlin, a man wanted by the authorities for smuggling and aiding the rebel cause. On the night Merlin was to get his hands on the information pertaining to Patrick's killer, he was captured. Along with his capture was the woman who was protecting a secret that might shed light on the mystery but she's giving nothing away, not even her name.

Catherine Bellamy was unwittingly drawn into a conspiracy of murder, lies and treachery when her efforts at uncovering the truth of the murders including that of her husband, Patrick, exposed her to danger and someone wanted her dead. Her only hope of extricating herself unscathed lies with her brother-in-law, Julian Lambert, but even as she fell in love with him, she realised he was not who he seemed.

It isn't difficult to guess who the traitor is from the beginning and part of the fun is snagging on to the clues along the way but of course, the characters have yet to catch on as the plot thickens.

All the characters are well defined including the pet pig, Sally, whose antics enlivened the story.

One fateful night widowed Catherine Bellamy replaces her brother as a courier for the Sons of Liberty. She is to meet the infamous Merlin, a smuggler and more in support of the Sons' cause. Unfortunately for both, it is a set-up and they are captured by the British. But plucky Catherine and determined Merlin escape and spend a week on the run together sharing a wary partnership and an unforgettable moment of passion.

Two months later Catherine approaches the illusive brother-in-law she has never met to ask for his financial assistance to re-open her print shop. He is Captain Julian Lambert, decorated officer in the Royal Navy. He has returned to Virginia to discover the truth about how his half-brother died and is suspicious of Catherine (and her family - particularly her brother) since he never even knew that his brother had married. Catherine believes that Julian hired Merlin to find out who killed his brother and thinks to find Merlin again through Julian. But the investigation into Patrick's death evolves into something much bigger when it becomes clear that someone is committing serious crimes in the name of the Sons of Liberty. Who is behind it all and why? Who set them up? Can Catherine and Julian come to trust one another? Are they even on the same side? They must hope so, because their attraction is undeniable and they're both falling fast.

I found Catherine and Julian an engaging couple torn between their attraction and their family loyalties. My only complaint is in a few loose ends that weren't resolved enough for me but these are minor and ultimately don't detract from a great love story.