Secrets In Satin

by Haywood Smith

He thought she was as cold as ice.

With her pale face and black mourning gown, Elizabeth, Countess of Ravenwold, was completely emotionless as she stood over the body of her dead husband. But Edward Garrett, Viscount Creighton, had no idea of the passion behind her mask of ice-- or the dark secrets hidden in her guarded heart.

She thought he was a careless rogue.

Garrett's reputation preceded him, so Elizabeth hardened herself against his ruthless charms. But when a royal command forced her to marry the knave, their lives were drawn together into a dangerous game of intrigue...and a passionate contest of wills.

Amid the turmoil of a dying monarchy, Garrett and Elizabeth discovered a love haunted by the past and challenged by an uncertain future. But can this love survive, or will it be wrenched away by a twist of fate...or the hand of a king?

Genres: Romance, Historical, Historical Romance, Medieval

352 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published April 15, 1997

Reviews

[bell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book embodies what the new romances are all missing. The old romances evoke feelings from you when you read them , something todays romances are sadly lacking. In the 80's and 90's romances were a work of art. Yes they could be silly and over the top, but it takes an artist to do that and still have you care about the characters. Todays' romances seem like they are cookie cutter and written in a matter of days, on a conveyer belt.
Now that I'm done with my soapbox... There were parts of this story I felt with a little overly long, But not many. I loved this story and really felt for these characters!
I don't want to give too much away.. The wife is in an abusive relationship and rarely sees her husband. He goes off to war and dies (not in the war though). his body is brought back home and due to something happening (don't want to ruin it) the person that brings him home hates the countess. She is forced to go to court due to her sister and meets the man there again. Due to her actions, she is forced to marry him. The story plays out amidst the war, religious strife, etc. The one thing I didn't like was the end. I felt the reader was left a little bit adrift. I was hoping there was a second book in this series, but haven't found one.
The book was written in 1997- The sex scenes were not overly descriptive. No rape scenes

[BookMaven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Edward Garrett, Viscount Creighton, has been sent to a cold and bleak, rain-soaked Cornwall to deliver the body of the Earl of Ravenwold's lifeless body to his widow, Elizabeth, the Countess of Ravenwold. The Countess appears to be completely devoid of emotion, cold as ice. After delivery of the body, Viscount Creighton couldn't wait to be gone from there, but he will soon find out that His King has other ideas. Edward and Elizabeth are thrown together against the perilous back drop of Cromwell and his Roundheads Rebellion against the English Monarchy. Haywood Smith combines an excellent and well-researched account of a dangerous and volatile era with an unlikely romance set within a very heart-warming family. The elements of danger vs. safety, loyalties questioned, and moral dilemmas are explored with a deft hand by Ms. Smith. This book deals with the grittiness of war, yet provides respites of pure love, all the while keeping the reader riveted to every page.

[Sandi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like her writing style.