Michele Jaffe 
The Stargazer 
The Arboretti Family Saga – Book One

The midnight shadows of Renaissance Venice conceal intrigue, romance…and murder.



‘Combines historical context with lush sensuality and nuanced wit.’ — Publisher’s Weekly




 


Bianca Salva’s love of science has led her to defy the conventions of her day and illicitly practice medicine among the poor of Venice. She’s managed to keep her pass time a secret—until she is discovered over the lifeless body of a young courtesan, by the last person she’d ever want to see.



Ian Foscari, Conte d’Aosto, is known for being rich, handsome…and heartless. Finding Bianca over the dead body, he concludes she’s the murderer. Yet for reasons he cannot explain, her protests move him. He offers to give her one week to prove her innocence, but she’ll have to move into his house and be his prisoner. Her other option: the authorities and certain death.



Bianca has no choice but to agree to his maddening terms. She’s furious at having to cede her hard won freedom, and unprepared for the effect of his presence on her, for the longings he awakes in parts of her body she’s only studied in books. As Bianca struggles to focus on finding the killer, Ian fights his own battle between the undeniable attraction he feels for her and the painful scars of his past. 




When their mutual attraction blazes to life, they are both dazzled by it’s force. Passion burns through their reserves, teaching them both to trust again. Love again. But this fragile alliance is soon tested. Lured into a web of scheming and betrayal, Bianca and Ian find themselves in a race against the clock to save their lives, their hearts, and the city of Venice itself.




‘Jaffe…develops a sensual, exciting, and amusing tale, richly embellished with details of Renaissance life.’ — Library Journal



‘Jaffe’s characters are intriguing, and the plot’s many twists and turns are wonderfully entertaining.’ — Booklist