Deliciously Wicked

When wildly independent Meg Piddington finds herself locked in her father's chocolate factory after hours with a most disarmingly attractive gentleman, she doesn't realize that she is his alibi&#8212proof that Gareth Mandeville did not commit a dastardly crime. But admitting as much would destroy her reputation, which gallant Gareth refuses to do. Besides, he believes even prison would be preferable to marriage, which is what their revelation would certainly demand!

At last, here's the perfect opportunity for Meg to don her sleuthing hat to get to the root of the secretive stranger's troubles! Besides, the man sends oh-so-pleasant shivers coursing through her body. And though heaven may well await in Gareth's embrace, danger may dwell there also . . . if the determined lady embarks on a grand mission to win his love.

When wildly independent Meg Piddington finds herself locked in her father's chocolate factory after hours with a most disarmingly attractive gentleman, she doesn't realize that she is his alibi—proof that Gareth Mandeville did not commit a dastardly crime. But admitting as much would destroy her reputation, which gallant Gareth refuses to do. Besides, he believes even prison would be preferable to marriage, which is what their revelation would certainly demand!

At last, here's the perfect opportunity for Meg to don her sleuthing hat to get to the root of the secretive stranger's troubles! Besides, the man sends oh-so-pleasant shivers coursing through her body. And though heaven may well await in Gareth's embrace, danger may dwell there also ...if the determined lady embarks on a grand mission to win his love.

Publishers Weekly

Heiress Meg Piddington has an unladylike desire-for 1890s London-to help run her family's chocolate factory. While her father recovers from an injury, she pitches in to near-disastrous effect when she gets mysteriously locked in a storage room after hours with the new employee, handsome Gareth Mandeville. Although they escape without being detected, Meg faces a dilemma when Gareth is accused of a theft for which she alone can provide an alibi-but only at the cost of her reputation. She and her friends in the Ladies' Amateur Sleuth Society, introduced in DeHart's A Study in Scandal, set out to solve the crime. Trying to guard the secret of his own background as an impoverished viscount, Gareth insists on serving as Meg's protector as they unravel the clues; stubbornly independent, Meg resists his efforts but can't quiet the attraction sizzling between them. DeHart handles her romance well, but the anemic mystery comes to very little. An entirely predictable villain and some childish behavior from the heroine hinder the suspense and the sensuality, but those in search of a light Regency diversion may enjoy DeHart's breezy style. (Oct.) Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.

Robyn DeHart always knew she wanted to be a writer, but it took a while to discover precisely what she wanted to write. Reading Kathleen Woodiwiss's A Rose in Winter sealed the deal, and she's been reading and writing romance ever since. She should have realized she was destined for this career when her Barbies insisted on hosting elaborate masquerade parties, complete with stolen kisses in the moonlight. Researching her novels is always exciting, but when it involves eating chocolate, it's especially sweet. She lives in the foothills of the Smokey Mountains in Tennessee, with her incredibly supportive husband and two very spoiled cats. She loves to hear from readers.