Book excerpt: A lady with a secret sorrow Reeling from heartbreak, Lady Laura Campion transformed herself into the infamous Scandal's Virgin of high society--flirtatious, alluring and utterly shocking--yet always stopping short of absolute ruin. But now she has new hope--the daughter she thought lost is alive, and under the guardianship of the powerful Avery Falconer, Earl of Wykeham. Going into battle against Lord Wykeham may be her only option to win little Alice back, but she doesn't expect the irresistible attraction that simmers between her and the formidable Earl. Laura finally has a chance at happiness, but can she persuade Avery to forgive her past? "Allen reaches into readers' hearts." --RT Book Reviews on Married to a Stranger