From Publishers Weekly
Goodman (Only in My Arms) offers up a racy, late 18th-century romance featuring the first of four close-knit friends North, South, East and West who call themselves the Compass Club. North, also known as Brendan Hampton and the Earl of Northam, is the first to find romance, and his quest, though conventional, is not without its share of surprises. While searching for the so-called Gentleman Thief, who steals jewels from members of the aristocracy, North meets the enigmatic Elizabeth Penrose at a house party. When the search for the thief takes him to her room, she informs him bluntly that she is "a whore," which clears the way for several intense love scenes. An act of desperation Northam is implicated as the thief, and Elizabeth provides him with an alibi at the cost of her reputation finally pushes the couple to the altar, but their happily-ever-after is a while in coming. First, Elizabeth must come clean about her past indiscretions and her current quandary. Goodman's prose is as stilted as her characters' banter ("I thought I might find something to read." "How fortunate you have come upon the library, then"), and her subtle humor is easily missed. The playful camaraderie between North and his friends is diverting, however, as is North and Elizabeth's understated romance.Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

In bestselling author Jo Goodman￯﾿ﾽs captivating new quartet, you￯﾿ﾽll meet the four intriguing gentlemen of the Compass Club -- North, South, East, and West -- as they find adventure, excitement, and, of course, romance. Now, in book one of this sweeping and sensual series set in Regency England, join Brendan David Hampton, Earl of Northam, as he unravels a mystery￯﾿ﾽand the secrets of a woman￯﾿ﾽs heart.

None of the four friends are yet wed, though the wagers are on North -- captivated by a most unique lady. Libby Penrose is wise, witty, beautiful, and quite determined to remain alone. But when the intrigues of a notorious jewel thief find them plotting together, a stolen kiss seals their fate as lovers -- yet leaves North with more questions about Libby than answers.

Despite her vow to deny her deep attraction to this powerful, sensual man, Libby surrenders to the breathless desire he awakens. She could not have imagined the whirlwind events that would find North accused of a crime￯﾿ﾽnor her own confession that would save him -- and compromise them both into matrimony. But sweet words of love remain unspoken and elusive. For Libby harbors a dark secret, one that threatens the untested bonds of her marriage. And soon fate will force her to make a harrowing choice: trust her husband￯﾿ﾽor lose him forever.

FROM THE CRITICS

Publishers Weekly