BAKERSFIELD BESTSELLER at Russo's Books (2005) This is "New York Times bestselling author Kat Martin's first book with MIRA Books, and the first in a trilogy. In mid-nineteenth century England, noblewoman Victoria Temple Whiting and her sister Claire are desperate to escape their horrible stepfather. Stealing a valuable Harwood family necklace, together they escape to London, hiding their identity. The sisters seek protection and employment in the home of Cordell Devlin, the Earl of Brant. The Earl is bent on seducing the younger sister, only to discover that it is Victoria who captures his elusive heart. When the sisters' identities are discovered, Cordell must do everything he can to rescue the woman he loves.