Winter’s Woman

Pairing the daughter of a duke with a member of a notorious crime family, Scott’s lusty ninth Wicked Winters Regency romance (after Winter’s Wallflower) brings the heat. Lady Evangeline Saltisford’s sister, Adele, has recently married into the disreputable Winter family, and the association puts Evangeline in danger. After Evangeline’s shot at by the Winters’ enemies, Adele convinces her to go into hiding with her brother-in-law Theo “Devil” Winter as a bodyguard. Evangeline is reluctant; the arrangement requires her to deceive her fiancé and puts her in distasteful proximity to a man she considers a brute. Devil is equally displeased; he has no patience for “milady’s” snooty airs. But as they pass the time in their safe house, each sees a shockingly different side to the other. Evangeline offers to teach Devil to read—and in exchange, he teaches her to kiss. But can two people from such different worlds make it work? Series fans will be pleased to see new layers to the growly, hulking Devil but disappointed that his trust issues and childhood trauma lead him to lash out at Evangeline, who rationalizes his anger because she knows he loves her deep down. Still, their tried-and-true beauty and the beast dynamic makes for some scorching moments. Scott’s fans will find plenty to enjoy. (Self-published)