The Countess and the Rake — Georgette Brown

This notorious rake has never met a woman he can't seduce…till now. Gertrude “Gertie” Farrington has lost hope in men. She is married to the unfaithful Earl of Lowry and scorned by her in-laws for being awkward and uninspiring. Her only outlet and glimpse of carnal pleasure is when she dones the persona of Lady Athena at Madam Botreaux's clandestine Ballroom of Pleasures. Back from years of exile after a scandalous duel, Phineas Barclay, a notorious rake and seducer of women, becomes instantly intrigued by the Lady Athena on a visit to the Ballroom of Pleasures. He provokes her into taking him as her prospective lover with the intention of seducing the icy mistress and uncovering her true identity. As the Countess of Lowry, Gertie wants nothing to do with Phineas Barclay -- a debaucher at best, and a murderer at worst. So why does she find herself hot and flustered in his presence? Phineas Barclay finds himself strangely drawn to the Countess, but every step forward with her seems to be followed by a step backward with the Lady Athena. So which woman will he choose to conquer?