Io: The Shrew — S.M. LaViolette

Lady Io Hale has no time for men. And certainly no time for her older brother's stuffy, grumpy, and oh-so-proper best friend, Corbin Masterson, who believes he is so morally superior to everyone else, especially her. Io might have been wrenched from her home in New York, dragged to London, and forced to attend ton parties and balls, but she is drawing the line at tolerating Masterson's snooty, judgmental, and accusatory looks for one second longer. Showing him just how susceptible he is to his own lusty desires is a challenge she is delighted to accept. Bringing the uppity Masterson to his knees will not only be educational for him, it will also be a pleasure for her. Corbin has never met anyone—man or woman—like Io Hale. She says and does anything and everything she pleases! Somebody desperately needs to take the woman in hand. Or perhaps over their knee. In any case, Corbin knows exactly whose hand—and knee!—is perfect for the job: his. And while he is bringing her to heel, he can also get the mesmerizing siren out of his thoughts, where she appears to have taken up residence. At least he can try . . . What will these stubborn lovers do when they realize that—instead of breeding contempt—familiarity yields the one thing neither of them ever expected: love? Contains mature themes.