An Unladylike Secret - (Marleigh Sisters) by Amita Murray (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

From the author of Unladylike Rules of Attraction comes the swoon-worthy, suspenseful final installment of the Marleigh Sisters series.

Mira Marleigh, as far as the public is concerned, is an unassuming companion. She quietly drifts through London society accompanying her dear friend and confidant, Ursula. Mira flies under the radar, which is exactly how she likes it, because unbeknownst to everyone besides her sisters and Ursula, she is the anonymous author of one of the most popular society circulars under the pseudonym Aurelius. As a purveyor of society gossip, keeping a low profile allows her to see and hear nearly everything. But is this prosaic, passionless persona that she has carefully constructed really who Mira wants to be?

When one of her circulars detailing a heated argument between the blue-blooded brothers Stephen and Finnegan Underwood ends up as the basis for the case against Finnegan when Stephen turns up dead not two days later, Stephen's widow, Lucretia, is desperate for Aurelius's help in proving Finnegan innocent. So, acting as Aurelius's "assistant," Mira travels to the coastal town of Devonshire where she agrees to help the young widow.

But a chance seaside encounter with a smoldering mystery man might change everything... will he be the key to unlocking the truth, and perhaps Mira's heart, or could he be her downfall?

Review Quotes

"Full of suspense and scandal, this plot-driven novel is exciting and engrossing... [A] richly detailed historical romance with a side of intrigue and adventure." -- Library Journal on Unladylike Rules of Attraction

"Rousing... Murray's complex, well-shaded protagonists shine as they work through past trauma and champion progressive causes. Readers looking for diverse historical romance will want to check this out." -- Publishers Weekly on Unladylike Rules of Attraction

"Sizzling romance with a splash of intrigue." -- Julia Quinn on Unladylike Lessons in Love

"Murray (Arya Winters mystery series) makes her romance debut with this first series installment, a Regency romance that doubles as a moving mystery. Rich, realistic detail immerses readers in all manner of London locales, from regal to rat-infested. The narrative is both charming and charged with suspense, yielding a captivating and compelling reading experience. This book will appeal to readers seeking a multicultural historical romance heavy on adrenaline and intrigue. Recommended for fans of Sarah MacLean, Eva Leigh, and Julia Quinn." -- Library Journal on Unladylike Lessons in Love

"Lila Marleigh is a smart, unconventional and independent English-Indian beauty who controls what's allowed into her iced champagne punch, her gaming establishment and her life... till Ivor Tristram turns up and yes, it's a romance and mystery and Lila is charming, but it's the painful secret at the heart of her family that leaves me wanting even more. Are the Marleighs going to be the next Bridgertons? I can only hope!" -- Ovidia Yu, author of The Crown Colony Series and Aunty Lee's Delights, on Unladylike Lessons in Love

"This romantic adventure bolts from the first page while following professional hostess Lila Marleigh as she untangles a crime and finds lust--or is it love? You'll have to finish this in one sitting--call in sick!" -- Sumi Hahn, author of The Mermaid From Jeju

"A superbly crafted historical novel, and a romance that doubles up as a mystery, with a delicious Indian twist--what's not to love? Amita Murray's brilliant take on a traditional Regency romance is smoking hot--and heartbreakingly realistic about the racial and class divide that dominated 18^th century English society. I can't wait to read the next book." -- Harini Nagendra, author of The Bangalore Detectives Club

"Amita Murray brings a multifaceted Regency London vividly to life in this oh-so-steamy romance featuring a captivating heroine, a sexy hero, and a high-stakes mystery. A stay-up-til-dawn page-turner!" -- Felicity George, author of A Lady's Risk