One Secret Wish - Sandra Sookoo - Bog

A stolen jewel. An inappropriate attraction. One secret wish that complicates everything. Leopold Bollinger, 11th Earl of St. Vincent, is suffering from ennui. On the verge of turning forty-two, he's bored. Ten years retired from the spy life, the responsibilities his title demands are not enough to hold his attention. Unfortunately, neither do the ladies within the beau monde. All that changes when the widow of one of his best friends attends the same society event he does, and damn if she's not more attractive than she's ever been, which reignites the torch he's carried for years. Rachel Balfour-Lady Cavanagh-has been without purpose since her husband's death. Though she wants to hide from wagging tongues, keeping her dead husband's secret is of paramount importance. Upon a scandalous meeting with his best friend at a ball, her spirits change as does her mindset when he puts forth a completely madcap plan to reclaim an expensive jewel. Despite the fact his devilish grin tipped her acquiescence, being courted by his rival might sour a second chance at romance. While the unlikely pair scheme through summertime London, forced proximity turns the simmering passion between them into an inferno. As the bauble they chase eventually falls into the hands of a dangerous enemy of the earl's past, life quickly turns complicated, and sacrifices are made. Time counts down, and more than the treasure will be lost if they don't fight for the love they both need so desperately.