"4 1/2 hearts!...Ms. Toombs set this work in the early 1800s; she has an excellent way of spinning a story which is both exciting and stimulating...I admire Ms. Toombs; she is such an accomplished writer that I cannot come up with enough superlatives to describe her. This book is incredible! I loved it. I believe that anyone will love this story, even those who are not lovers of historical romance!"--Brenda Talley, The Romance Studio
“3 Stars!...Jane Toombs diverts us with An Improper Alliance. An impoverished heiress takes a position as companion to the lovely daughter of a lady of questionable reputation and has her hands full saving her charge’s virtue, as well as her own, from a dashing German prince and his English earl companion...An intriguing plot provides a pleasing reading experience.”—Romantic Times
"...A soft-spoken and tender romance set in England during the Regency period...From the details and vivid descriptions of the time period it is obvious that the author has done her research before starting this lovely period piece. In an age where duty and honor is of utmost importance, Miss Toombs did an excellent job of creating a plausible plotline that allowed these two couples to find happiness with each other in a world where personal contentment is not necessarily the norm..."--Pam, My Book Cravings
...His touch traced a fiery path from her cheek to her lips where he slowly outlined the curves of her mouth. As her pulses raced, her mouth opened slightly and she felt the tip of his forefinger on her tongue. Impulsively, she kissed his finger. Horrified by what she’d done, Celeste gasped and drew back. For a moment they faced one another as time stood still.
With a cry of confusion mingled with desire, Celeste turned and started to flee from him only to have his hand grasp one of her veils. She felt the veil pull away, baring her shoulders. When shelves of books blocked her way, she stopped, standing with her back to him, hearing nothing but the wild pounding of her heart.
She sensed him approaching her from behind. Suddenly his arms encircled her waist and he drew her back toward him, pressing her body to his. Despite her shock of pleasure, she gripped his wrists, intending to force him to release her, but failed to carry through her intent, finding herself stroking his hands instead. Murmuring endearments, his lips trailed kisses along her bare shoulder, pausing at the nape of her neck as she trembled with an inexplicable yearning that rendered her helpless.
Slowly he turned her to face him, all the while keeping her in the circle of his arms. His gaze flicked downward and she heard his sharp intake of breath when he saw the rise of her breasts above the wispy chiffon veil. Looking up into her eyes, he gently lifted the edge of the veil concealing her face until her mouth was uncovered, then his lips sought and found hers.
How warm his lips were, so warm and tender, encouraging her to respond. Unable to resist, she snuggled closer as her own lips parted under his. He groaned, his grasp tightening around her body as now he kissed her with a smoldering passion that scorched through her, setting her aflame. Forgetting why she was here, forgetting everything, her arms twined around his neck to hold him to her, to keep him forever hers.
“Salome,” he breathed, his lips still against hers. “Salome,” he murmured again.
The alien name pierced her like a dagger of ice, shocking her back to her senses. She was not Salome, she was Celeste. His words weren’t meant for her, they were intended for someone else, his lips didn’t kiss her, they kissed the stranger he thought she was.
He had betrayed her.
She broke free and fled from the room, stifling a cry that bespoke a grievously wounded heart...