Secret Passion [Paperback]

Rolfe Fitzhugh St. James, the Earl of Graystock, has never met a woman like Jane before. She remains unbowed before his temper and even goes so far as to offer her help in training his stallion! Rolfe decides to marry her instead of strangle her. But while Rolfe goes behind her back with her knowledge to her father to make arrangements Jane is deciding her own future. By the time Rolfe returns, Jane has met up with a childhood sweetheart Harry who has his own marriage proposal.

As for Aunt Clarissa, it is just her luck that Rolfe's visiting friend, Sir Thomas Gooding (previously his subordinate officer in the military), happens to be one of her suitors from years ago.

***** There are two, sometimes three, sets of romantic suits going on at once in this deliciously scandalous romance novel. Jane is often coming up with wild plans and attempting to follow through without really considering the consequences of them, or of what her heart tells her. The story is not set in London with all the balls and parties, so no vicious gossiping from anyone in the Ton to speak of. But readers know the tongues in London are blabbing away. This story is the perfect way to spend those rainy afternoon hours. I look forward to Sophia Nash's next release. *****

Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.

In this first book, Ms. Nash gradually and effectively builds on a battle of wills between her principal characters, Jane Lovering and the Earl of Graystock. It is a battle that both are determined to win until each is confronted by the cold light of truth about what really divides them. Fortunately for the reader, this emotional conflict allows Ms. Nash to entertain us with witty dialogue and sizzling sexual tension that all but lights up the pages, and she keeps that sensuality pulsating to the very end. I especially like the way she handled the initial coupling of Jane and Rolfe by using great emotion and explosive passion that, for me, deepened the journey of her characters as they struggle with their own individual desires and needs.

Another fascinating character was Cornwall, where much of the action inside the story plays out, and Ms. Nash captures it beautifully. I loved how the rough coastline and countryside works against the rough edges of the story, before love enters to soften those edges.

I highly recommend A SECRET PASSION and its author SOPHIA NASH. Her strong writer's voice, skillful use of history and character, and wonderful writing style should be experienced firsthand and savored. For me, it's a keeper and a great read, and I look forward to her next book with great anticipation!