Ainsley Delacorte is disturbed by the latest plot her mother has agreed to. Her mother has promised Ainsley’s sister Rowena to marry Desmond Rawlington, Marquess of Dunsmore. Rowena elopes escaping the arranged marriage and shy Ainsley is offered in her place. Desmond needs to marry one of the Delacorte sisters in order to gain the approval of the prince. Desmond is desperate to stop the plot certain members of his family have hatched to get Napoleon back into power. Desmond did not plan to fall in love with his convenient wife, but her shyness and sensuality soon get to him. When the plot is discovered Ainsley and Desmond may be forced to make the ultimate sacrifice to secure the other’s safety.

One Bashful Lady by Brenda Williamson is an intriguing tale. Ainsley is a complex woman, shy and retiring in most company and yet she comes to life in Desmond’s arms. Desmond had the best intentions with his marriage but there were times when he should have confided in Ainsley. I found myself frustrated at times with Desmond, simply wanting him to be honest with his wife. I enjoyed the interaction between Ainsley and Desmond and their love scenes were very well written and exciting. Each love scene is more passionate than the one before it. The plot to restore Napoleon kept me engaged and added spice to the story. The villains are those you just love to hate and wish for their comeuppance. Well written and engaging, One Bashful Lady is a story I heartily recommend.