A Scandalous Deal
Eva Hyde dreams of establishing herself as an architect and not just living under her famous father’s shadow. With three dead fiancés and the gossip mill in London limiting her options, she flees to New York City to work on a grand project under her father’s name: to build a monumental hotel for the legendary developer Phillip Mansfield. An anonymous tryst on her trip from England to the United States winds up being more complicated than she bargained for when she discovers her lover is none other than her future employer! When Phillip wishes to continue the liaison, Eve faces professional complications from following her heart.
This is a steamy romance set in Gilded Age New York City, with dashes of political intrigue, gender discrimination, and Eva’s professional disguise further complicating matters. It was enjoyable to follow a determined and skilled heroine facing adversity while finding love. While timeless issues, the framing of Eva’s professional and personal concerns feels modern at times, but well-defined characters and the rich historical setting are plenty to draw you back in. Recommended for all historical romance fans.
