Temptation Of A Proper Governess

She should never contradict her employer.

And, above all, she must not attract the attention of any male in the household.

But Michael Severson doesn't see Isabel Halloran as a governess—he sees her as a woman, one whose lush curves cannot be hidden behind a dowdy gown ... and whose efforts at hiding her sparkling intelligence are betrayed by her wit.

Years before, Michael had left Regency England, falsely accused of a crime. Now he is back, dedicated to seeking retribution—but not to taking a bride. But when his scandalous actions compromise Isabel's reputation, he does the unthinkable and offers her his hand—a marriage in name only.

But although his bride's passions are untried, Isabel's sensuality clearly matches his own. And with each day, and night, that passes, Michael becomes determined that every kiss, every caress, will be made with one goal: to seduce his proper wife into tender submission.

One night, Isabelle discovers her charge has left her own bed and snuck into the bed of houseguest Michael Severson. Michael is extraordinarily handsome, and known to be terribly dangerous. Years before, he'd left England under a cloud of suspicion andndash; had he killed his mistress or not? But now he has returned to clear his name and uncover the identity of the real killer. Isabelle rescues her pupil, but puts herself in a compromising position. And when she is discovered in Michael's room, with Michael himself, she is dismissed. But Michael cannot leave her without resources...he offers to 'protect' her, then becomes determined to wed her...

New York Timesbestselling author Cathy Maxwell has lived a full and adventurous life. Her resume includes years as a naval officer working with Security Group to time spent managing a watch factory, with a stints as a news broadcaster and work designing costumes for theater productions thrown in for good measure. Today, Cathy spends hours in front of her computer pondering the question, "Why do people fall in love?" It remains for her the great mystery of life and the secret to happiness. She lives in the Richmond, Virginia, area surrounded by kids, dogs, cats, and horses.