In a steamy Victorian follow-up to 2010's The Surrender of a Lady, Clare reunites Emma Hallaway-Mansfield, countess of Asbury, and her husband of 12 years, Richard, who left his 15-year-old bride after one night of marriage and went off to explore the world. They meet unexpectedly in a brothel, where Emma was lured in connection to her hidden profession: a painter of scandalous nudes. Newly returned to London to sell his overseas businesses, the earl is surprised to find his child bride has become a desirable woman with her own secrets. Though angry with Richard, Emma succumbs to the passion he arouses after years of suppressing her desires. Their sizzling courtship overcomes the thin premise, boosted by strong secondary characters, such as Emma's strong-willed sisters. (Feb.)