Beloved Adversary

Collision of Honor and Desire

Beloved Adversary by Thea Frederick unfolds in the glittering salons of Regency London, where propriety masks hidden passions and every gesture carries unspoken meaning. Lady Evelina Ashcroft, celebrated for her wit and beauty, finds herself compelled to attend a grand masquerade ball thrown by the enigmatic Lord Sebastian Ravenswood—an infamous duelist whose reputation for ruthless cleverness precedes him. When Evelina’s carefully guarded curiosity draws her into a daring midnight discussion with Sebastian beneath crystal chandeliers, the clash of their opposing natures ignites a spark neither anticipated. Frederick’s elegant prose immediately immerses readers in a world where honor demands obedience and the heart dares to rebel.

An Alliance Forged in Tension

Duty and scandal intertwine as Evelina and Sebastian are forced into a precarious partnership: uncovering a plot to manipulate the Crown’s succession. Their investigation takes them through lamplit alleyways, clandestine libraries, and moonlit riverbanks, each encounter deepening the tempest between them. Evelina’s steadfast moral compass and Sebastian’s calculating pragmatism create a tête-à-tête of sharp repartee, revealing vulnerabilities beneath polished exteriors. As Frederick deftly balances witty dialogue with mounting suspense, readers witness two formidable spirits learning that collaboration may demand surrendering more than just secrets.

Passion Amidst Betrayal

In a dramatic crescendo at the ducal estate of Ravencourt, betrayal strikes from within their closest circle, leaving Sebastian wounded in both body and pride. Evelina must summon courage far beyond her gentle upbringing to save the man she has grown to admire—and perhaps love. As pistols are drawn and loyalties tested, the line between adversary and ally blurs under the weight of shared danger. With each chapter, Frederick weaves a tapestry of longing and valor, reminding us that true intimacy often blossoms in the crucible of conflict.

. Thea Frederick is a celebrated author of historical romance, renowned for her richly detailed settings, spirited heroines, and stories that celebrate the triumph of love over convention. Her novels continue to enchant readers with their blend of wit, intrigue, and heartfelt emotion.