“A dazzlingly dark and engaging tale full of heartbreak, treachery, and surprise.” – Kirkus

In this vivid reimagining of the French classic Les Liaisons Dangereuses, it’s the summer when Jackie Robinson breaks Major League Baseball’s color barrier and a sweltering stretch has Harlem’s elite fleeing the city for Westchester County’s breezier climes, two predators stalk amidst the manicured gardens and fine old homes.

Heiress Mae Malveaux rules society with an angel’s smile and a heart of stone. She made up her mind long ago that nobody would decide her fate. To have the pleasure she craves, control is paramount, especially control of the men Mae attracts like moths to a flame.

Valiant Jackson always gets what he wants—and he’s wanted Mae for years. The door finally opens for him when Mae strikes a bargain: seduce her virginal young cousin, Cecily, who is engaged to Frank Washington. Frank values her innocence above all else. If successful, Val’s reward will be a night with Mae.   

But Val secretly seeks another prize. Elizabeth Townsend is fiercely loyal to her church and her civil rights attorney husband. Certain there is something redeemable in Mr. Jackson. Little does she know that her worst mistake will be Val’s greatest triumph.

I am not going to lie to you, I am struggling with how I feel about this book. First let me start by saying that this is a very well written book. I truly enjoyed reading it. The struggle comes from how the book left me feeling. Most of the books I read have happy endings that I can typically predict with in the first two chapters. This book is not like that at all. While yes it does end well it is nowhere near what I expected. This book has one of the “darkest” romance story lines I have ever read. I truly don’t know how I feel about this book. I loved the characters and again it was very well written, and it ends well, but I just can’t get past the plot twist. I hope you will read this book and enjoy it just as I did and that it will make you question what really makes a happy ending.

Danielle