04/06/2015
In Shupe’s admirable third Regency (after The Harlot Countess), a free-spirited lady meets her match in a reclusive lord. Lady Sophie Barnes needs the assistance of Damien Beecham, Viscount Quint—specifically, she needs him to serve as her second in a duel. Though he initially refuses, Sophie is persistent. She also continues her quest for a killer who has targeted prostitutes and is dumping their bodies in the Thames; Sophie disguises herself as Sir Stephen Radcliff so that she can search the city’s brothels. During her late-night visits to Damien’s home, she discovers that he has developed a fear of going outside; as she helps him work through his fear, she begins to fall in love with him, a dangerous proposition since both of them have their own reasons for swearing off marriage. Sophie’s independent nature makes her a delightful protagonist, as she defies social convention to visit London’s seediest locations and track a murderer. The romance is delectable as sensual love scenes balance the well-woven mystery subplot. Agent: Laura Bradford, Bradford Literary Agency. (June)
Do you believe fate is written in the stars? Are you obsessed with learning how the stars will align for your life in any given season? Then this list of Astrology-inspired romances is for you!