Alathea was desperate for help, and there was only one person she could turn to: Gabriel Cynster. They had grown up together, and she was well aware that Gabriel would do whatever was needed. Only problem was she couldn't let anyone in the town know that her father had been scammed by an unscrupulous con artist. The family was one small step from total ruin just when her two sisters were ready to come out. Eleven years ago, Alathea was able to twist a bad investment into good at the cost of her own season and any possibility of happiness.

Alathea donned a veil, a pair of high heels, and a new identity as the mysterious countess. The ever chivalrous Gabriel arrived at the designated meeting place only to be told a tale that closely resembled Alathea's own. Gabriel, strangely intrigued by the countess, agreed to help with his reward being a kiss for each action performed.
Alathea soon found herself involved in a double life while her real self argued and teased Gabriel at the various balls and the countess enjoyed lush passion in his arms later.

Both Gabriel and Alathea were hot on the trail of their con artist despite warnings that he had the attitude of a cornered rabid rat. Every step closer deepened the relationship between the countess and Gabriel until he was intent on marriage. Alathea, on the other hand, was convinced Gabriel would hate her for her deception and planned for the duchess to quietly disappear. It was better to have loved and lost she reasoned to herself as she prepared to give away once again any hope of happily-ever-after. A slip-up in their plans alerted the deadly Crowley, the scam artist, that they were on his trail--with disastrous results. Would Gabriel and Alathea ever discover each other's true identity or even live to experience the possibility?

This is the fifth book in the Bar Cynster series which introduces us to Rupert who now goes by the nickname of Gabriel. True to the Cynster traits of honor, loyalty, and geniality, Gabriel is a sympathetic character with a dash of recklessness and hidden vulnerability. Alathea is a strong woman who is willing to put family first at the cost of her own happiness. The story explores Gabriel's and Alathea's childhood friendship and how it broke up, which allows the reader to have an epiphany concerning their real feelings about the same time the two main characters do.

A SECRET LOVE keeps suspense tight with a dastardly villain and the tease of hidden facets of each character. The Cynsters are a fun family to spend time with, especially considering that the males are always so resistant to love and marriage. Alathea is a woman to love with her "can do" attitude and blind plunge into love. This book is a stay up all night to finish book, pure unadulterated pleasure.

Reviewed by Morgan Wyatt
© August 2004