Tess Hamlin, dubbed the Ice Queen, is the reigning beauty of the London Ton, but needs to marry in haste. Her brother squandered away her fortune, leaving her virtually a pauper and ill-equipped to deal with the scandal should it become common knowledge. A careless wager links her to the new Earl of Merton, whose touch steals her breath. But he is no fool, and she must use all her wits to keep him from discovering her secret before the wedding. Yet, to lie to the one man she might love goes against all reason, Tess has no choice except to pray that time and circumstance will right the wrongs she plots.

Brenn Owen, the Earl of Merton, needs to marry money in order to save Erwynn Keep from ruin. He can not believe his luck when Tess Hamlin accepts his proposal of marriage. Possessing beauty, a fortune, and a body that makes him hard at a glance, Brenn fears only her reaction when she sees the home prepared for her. No castle, but a comfortable cottage will greet his new bride, but with her dowry, Brenn plans to rebuild the stately home now lying in ruin, and restore the family honor and fortune. But can he do both without loosing Tess and the love she so freely offers?

Cathy Maxwell enchants us with a novel of charm and wit. Lighthearted and delightful, Married In Haste introduces a hero and heroine of classical stature that dance and twirl on a stage of concealed strategies, each trying to keep from the other that which they are certain will doom the fledgling relationship. Watching them deal with the truth proves a delight, while allowing each to mature, and affords the opportunity for laughter and love to seek the common ground of compromise. Feet firmly planted on the road to success, Cathy Maxwell will stride to the summit with ease.

Very Highly Recommended!