Social activist Caroline Benning clashes with corporate attorney Adam Carruthers on opposite sides of urban gentrification and renewal projects that displace low-income families to favor the wealthy. Sexual passion flares and threatens their inherent but opposing beliefs.
When Caroline Benning's husband of 18 divorces her on the eve of her birthday, she is devastated. To boost her spirits, best friend Marjory treats Caroline to a month-long trip to England where they can indulge their passion for Tudor history. At Hampton Court Palace a dark, bearded cavalier in black leather and velvet moves Caroline to unexpected sexual longing. In a shadowed closet, they make love unlike anythng she has ever experienced.
The memory of his topaz eyes haunts her dreams, but she knows nothing about him -- not even his name.
Adam Carruthers is a corporate attorney who enjoys reenacting Tudor history. When he meets the beautiful blonde tourist , he soon finds himself in an unlikely, but very enjoyable position.
The two meet again at a protest rally only to discover they are on opposite sides of an explosive issue, each willing to battle with every weapon at hand. Can their passion overcome their differences, or will their strong fundamental human rights beliefs keep them apart?
Excerpt
It wasn't his eyes that Caroline noticed first, hidden beneath sleepy lids and accented with a slash of dark, sooty browns. No, it was the vivid impression of a hawk among peacocks that caught her attention the instant she entered the formal drawing room at Hampton Court Palace. Amid the rich burgundy, green, blue, and gold, a tall figure in black leather moved with a swagger, a man at east in any situation. The only light came from the fireplace, and the shadows in the corners created an ambiance of dark an sensual mystery.
"Caroline, are you coming? We mustn't dillydally."
Professional Reviews
A Perfect 10
Okay, I'm hooked on Sharon Noble's books. I've read all three, so now I'm just waiting for the next. Velvet and Topaz pits hero and heroine against each other in such a powerful antagonism that the reader might well wonder how they'll resolve their animosity and end up in each other's arms. What a creative resolution -- surprising and completely honest.
Caroline Benning has been dumped by her husband after 17 years of marriage so that he can marry his younger, pregnant girlfriend. In the hope of consoling her, friend Marjory treats them both to an extended holiday in England where they can explore Tudor history, a longheld passion.
At Hampton Court Palace, Caroline is entranced by one of the courtiers in the reenactment of court society. He returns her interest, and they throw caution to the winds in a recessed closet.
At a subsequent press conference dealing with gentrification of London's East End, she discovers her courtier again, only this time he's part of the company tearing down slum housing, and Caroline is a staunch supporter of the poor who are losing their homes. The battle is on!
You will love Adam. He's not only gorgeous but a devoted animal lover, a loving son to his parents, honest, forthright, and very, very clever in his pursuit of the woman of his heart. You'll enjoy this book on many levels.
A Fun Read, a Guilty Pleasure
enjoyed the characters and the story...a good story and a good read. a wonderful beach book or cozy fireside read:).
Each Word Brings
The love scenes are exquisitely passionate, and each word brings every touch to life.
Zara’s Bois:
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