September 22, 2004
 The fourth book of Jo Beverley's Malloren series, Secrets of the Night leads us into a web of secrecy, deceit, and intrigue. Brand Malloren is visiting one of the family estates when he is attacked and left by the roadside for dead. Young Rosamunde finds him and nurses him back to health. Married to a elderly dying man, she begs him to help her conceive a child in order to stop the evil zealot who plans to destroy her home from becoming heir upon her husband's impending demise.
Jo Beverley presents us with many questions in this novel, and answers them in a well-considered fashion - making this a thought-provoking story. Under what circumstances would a young woman marry an elderly husband? Under what circumstances would she sleep with another? What kind of relationship could the lovers expect to have after the act? What if they fall in love? What if they indeed have a child who is not the true heir - and when is it justifiable to pass him off as one? All these questions are put forth by Beverley as well as thoughtfully answered in Secrets of the Night. Also, you'll be introduced to Rosamunde's feisty cousin, Diana the Countess, who is soon be the heroine of Bey's story, Devilish.
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