Secret Hearts [Mass Market Paperback]

Although the books have certainly helped to promote the reputation of the real Tom, at the same time they have made him an object of ridicule among his friends...and caused him no end of embarrassment. When he arrives at Partington Place to claim his inheritance, he recognizes Claire as an invaluable asset and asks her to continue her employment as housekeeper for the estate. At the same time, Tom also senses there is much more to Claire than her outward appearance suggests. Some very humorous scenes follow when Tom decides that he is just the man to teach Claire about her passionate nature, which, up until now, she has kept so well hidden.

SECRET HEARTS is a fun story that has a very bewildered Tom trying, every which way he can, to learn more about Claire. He knows she is hiding something from him, but Claire is determined to keep her past a secret. She also fears the probable repercussions should Tom ever find out that she wrote the novels that made his life so miserable. Add to this some goofy, artsy secondary characters, and you have the makings of a lively tale told with much humor. ~Carol Carter for Bookbug on the Web

Tom Partington suddenly inherits wealth and property after years of scrimping and saving. Partington Place comes equipped with furnishings of unequal splendor, an aging, butler, nervous cook, and a spectacular housekeeper. It is the housekeeper who fills his nights with erotic dreams and his days with joy and laughter. If Tom lives to be one hundred, he will forever remember the sight of Claire Montaque the night she entertains her artist group. Her charm and elegance sear him, sending hot tentacles of desire coursing though his blood. Once he convinces the delectable Claire to be his mistress, his every desire will be fulfilled. Tom doesn't want to appear ungrateful for his unexpected turn of fortune, but he hopes his uncle's death means the end of those ridiculous pulp western novels.

No matter how hard she fights the attraction, Claire falls desperately in love with Tom. Why can't life be easy? The very thing that's made her independent, and financially secure, now threatens to destroy her chance of future happiness. Yet even more sinister secrets lurk in the closet of her life. Claire finds herself trapped between the rock and a hard place.

SECRET HEARTS charms, excites, and invites the reader to turn the pages ever faster. Alice Duncan introduces us to a cast of characters who immediately win our hearts. Her writing is excellent and fast paced. The plot unfolds with subtle twists and turns that intrigue. Ms. Duncan weaves a unique story with attention to detail and historical accuracy. It is always a pleasure to find an author who excels ather craft.