Hot Under the Collar — Jackie Barbosa

To err is human

Despite the old saw about third sons being destined for the church, no one ever expected the rakish, irresponsible Walter Langston to take up the collar, least of all himself. After an accident renders him unfit for military service, however, he has few other options. When he's given the post of vicar at a parish church in a sleepy, coastal village, he's convinced he'll molder in obscurity. Instead, his arrival brings a sudden resurgence in church attendance…or at least, the attendance of female parishioners. As word of the eligible young vicar spreads, every well-heeled family for miles with a marriageable daughter fills his pews, aiming to catch his eye. Unfortunately for these hopeful members of his flock, Walter's eye has already been caught -- by the one woman who doesn't come to church on Sundays.

To sin, divine.

Artemisia Finch left a lucrative career as a celebrated member of London's demimondaine to care for her ailing father. Returning home hasn't been easy, though, as her past isn't even a well-kept secret in the village. When the new vicar arrives on her doorstep, Artemisia is determined to send him on his merry, pious way. But Walter Langston is nothing like any man of the cloth she's ever known -- he's funny, irreverent, handsome, and tempting as sin. Falling in love with a vicar would be a very bad idea for a former courtesan. Why does this one have to be so hot under the collar?