Mary lives in Southern Maryland within sight of the Chesapeake Bay, an hour from Washington DC, where she was born and lived a good part of her life. When not distracted by the beach or the history of the area Mary spends her time writing her own stories of history and adventure. Her next book for Bantam, Her Wildest Fantasy, is in the works now.

From author Mary Blayney comes this riveting new romantic novel set in a world of turbulent change. Here the scion of a powerful English family and a woman every bit his match begin an affair that will leave them both vulnerable to forces beyond their control.
A year after the death of his wife, Lynford Pennistan, Duke of Meryon, has returned to London and his weighty political responsibilities. But no burden can equal the regret Lyn feels for never allowing himself to show his wife the emotion that could have saved his marriage. Now an unexpected encounter with a beautiful widow may offer him a second chance..
As reluctant guests at a ball, Lyn and an elegant stranger talk of love and loss in ways they never have before. And when they are later introduced, their attraction goes from passionate to scandalous. As England's political unrest explodes, so do the fires between Lyn and Elena Verano. But when a secret is revealed that will turn Elena's life upside down, Lyn is forced to make a choice that could destroy them both...if Elena doesn't make it for him.