Perfection (Historical Regency Romance)

They call him Lord Heartless for good reason. Brandon Pellidore, Marquess of Hartley, knows that a slip of his tongue or the least sign of emotion, and the trustees overseeing his fortune will brand him as mad as his grandmother and father before him. But a runaway beauty with a sparkle in her eye may prove his undoing. Celia Rider is determined to discover why her own fortune has gone missing, and her search leads her to Brandon€s door. As secrets and dangers mount, can Celia convince Brandon to remove his mask so that they can share a love that is nothing short of perfection? Sweet Regency romance with gothic overtones. Previously published by Kensington Zebra.

Praise for Regina Scott's Perfection:
"In her latest historical Regency, Scott beautifully builds a quiet sense of menace and dangerous intrigue and then adds wonderfully complex characters and witty writing to create an exceptionally memorable romance." -- Booklist

"Appealing, intelligent protagonists, nicely defined if not always likeable secondary characters, and the darker elements of greed, murder, and revenge combine with charming dialog, well-done descriptions, and solid prose to produce a historical that shouldn't disappoint." -- Library Journal

5 stars. €œAn incredible romance filled with danger, excitement, and betrayal. Read this! Can I make it any clearer?€ -- The Huntress Reviews

"Regina Scott is a master storyteller. Once I started reading, I could not stop. She has crafted a wonderful tale full of romance and suspense. One word truly sums it up--perfection." -- Affaire de Coeur

Excerpt
€œHow did you manage to evade your duties?€ As the carriage set off, he crossed one booted leg over the other and clasped it with both large hands.

She felt her smile widen, remembering. €œMy brother is riding with a groom. He is in alt, and my stepmother grudgingly allowed me a few moments to myself.€

€œThen you will not mind taking extra time in our meeting.€

She cocked her head. €œNo. Why?€

€œI intend to learn the truth of your fortune, as I said.€

She laughed. €œIf you can do that, I will think you possessed of magical powers, Lord Oberon.€

He raised a brow. €œYou see me as a fairy?€

Her laugh bubbled up again, but somehow she thought he liked the sound. Perhaps it was the smile that tugged at the corner of his mouth.

€œHave you ever read Shakespeare€s A Midsummer Night€s Dream?€ she asked. €œPuck you may call a fairy. Oberon is definitely something more.€

He crossed his arms over his chest. €œIndeed. Arrogant, demanding, controlling.€

€œIf the shoe fits, my lord.€

€œOnly too well, Miss Rider. And do I take it you see yourself as Titania, queen of the fairies?€

She shook her head. €œAnd fall in love with a donkey? No, thank you.€

€œA shame,€ he replied with a decided twinkle in his eye. €œI was growing rather fond of your fianc©.€

Celia burst into laughter and was rewarded to see the smile spread on his face. It was like the sun coming out after a storm.