Avon (Paperback), ISBN 0380812967
Modern scientists, listen up. If you ever invent a machine that creates men, hire Judith Ivory. Believe me, with Ivory on board as a consultant -- providing specs for building the most handsome, sexy, irresistible men -- you'll be rich beyond belief in a matter of days. Trust me on this.

Or, if you don't trust me, then read The Indiscretion. As an example I offer the hero of this wonderful confection for your delectation. Texas millionaire and ambassador plenipotentiary Sam Cody rescues a damsel (and himself) from an overturned coach sinking in a mire. Pity poor Sam -- the very epitome of tall, dark and delicious -- he finds himself in the middle of the mother of all bad days.

On his way to be married, Sam beat off four ruffians attempting to rob a woman, sustaining a black eye, broken nose and many scrapes in the process. True to the saying that no good turn goes unpunished, Sam arrived late to the church. His fiance refused to speak to him and her family wanted to add to his injuries. So instead of leaving for his honeymoon with his blushing bride by his side, Sam (after drowning his sorrows with a bottle or three of whiskey) got on a coach bound for who-knows-where accompanied only by a massive hangover and one other passenger -- a small, oh-so-prim and oh-so proper female.

Little does Sam know, but the prim and proper female could tell her own tale of woe. Lydia Bedford-Browne slips away from her overprotective family to attend her maid's wedding. Just a little adventure -- a few hours at the wedding followed by a brief trip across the moors and back home with no one the wiser. Unfortunately (or perhaps fortunately for everyone, especially the reader) fate plans otherwise. Within the space of a few hours Lydia realizes that her small adventure has landed her on the treacherous Dartmoor with a gentleman equally as dangerous -- at least to Lydia's heart and libido.

Can a gently bred English lady and an uncouth Texas cowboy find true love? Will his politics and her family keep them apart? I admit I gobbled this book in one sitting to find out.

The Indiscretion unerringly strikes a bullseye in providing readers with a satisfying and enjoyable read. Sam and Lydia prove more than just hero and heroine. After just a few pages, they become old friends. Their characters come across as so real, you feel as if you traverse the moors, ballrooms and archery tournaments along with Sam as he pursues his ladylove.

Judy, Judy, Judy. You did it again, lady. I want Sam Cody. Sure I liked Lydia. She makes a great little heroine -- bright, feisty and stubborn -- always a good mix. But I really liked Sam. Just like Mick Tremore (the hero of The Proposition), Sam is smart and funny and charming and gorgeous and gentle and kind and gorgeous and…did I mention he's gorgeous? I don't know where you get them from, but you write the best heroes.

And don't forget. If those mad scientists contact you I get a discount. And first dibs on the man you create. He's bound to be just like one of your books -- gorgeously wonderful.

Teri Smith

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