Publishers Weekly
03/04/2024
Murray’s rousing second Marleigh Sisters Regency (after Unladylike Lessons in Love) finds Anya Marleigh, Queen Charlotte’s court singer and the illegitimate daughter of a British earl and his Indian mistress, flabbergasted by a suprise inheritance. The late Dowager Countess Budleigh left half of her estate to Anya, but there’s a catch: she must marry by her fast-approaching 25th birthday. If she doesn’t, the money will pass to Lord Damian Ashton, the estate’s trustee and the dowager’s great-nephew. Damian, who grew up in poverty on the streets of Jamaica before unexpectedly inheriting his title, has no interest in the money—but the dowager’s adult children, who were all cut out of the will, are out for blood, putting Anya’s life in danger. Meanwhile, Lord Preston Budleigh, the dowager’s eldest son, hopes to remove Damian as trustee by proving that he murdered the previous Lord Ashton to gain his title. Amid this deadly turmoil, Damian and Anya, two wounded souls with difficult pasts, find solace and security in one another. But can they let down their emotional walls and open their hearts to love? Murray’s complex, well-shaded protagonists shine as they work through past trauma and champion progressive causes. Readers looking for diverse historical romance will want to check this out. Agent: Priya Doraswamy, Lotus Lane Literary. (May)
From the Publisher
Sizzling romance with a splash of intrigue.” — Julia Quinn on Unladylike Lessons in Love
"Lila Marleigh is a smart, unconventional and independent English-Indian beauty who controls what’s allowed into her iced champagne punch, her gaming establishment and her life… till Ivor Tristram turns up and yes, it’s a romance and mystery and Lila is charming, but it’s the painful secret at the heart of her family that leaves me wanting even more. Are the Marleighs going to be the next Bridgertons? I can only hope!" — Ovidia Yu, author of The Crown Colony Series and Aunty Lee’s Delights, on Unladylike Lessons in Love
“A superbly crafted historical novel, and a romance that doubles up as a mystery, with a delicious Indian twist—what’s not to love? Amita Murray’s brilliant take on a traditional Regency romance is smoking hot—and heartbreakingly realistic about the racial and class divide that dominated 18th century English society. I can’t wait to read the next book.” — Harini Nagendra, author of The Bangalore Detectives Club, on Unladylike Lessons in Love
"Amita Murray brings a multifaceted Regency London vividly to life in this oh-so-steamy romance featuring a captivating heroine, a sexy hero, and a high-stakes mystery. A stay-up-til-dawn page-turner!" — Felicity George, author of A Lady’s Risk, on Unladylike Lessons in Love
“Murray (‘Arya Winters’ mystery series) makes her romance debut with this first series installment, a Regency romance that doubles as a moving mystery. Rich, realistic detail immerses readers in all manner of London locales, from regal to rat-infested. The narrative is both charming and charged with suspense, yielding a captivating and compelling reading experience. This book will appeal to readers seeking a multicultural historical romance heavy on adrenaline and intrigue. Recommended for fans of Sarah MacLean, Eva Leigh, and Julia Quinn.” — Library Journal on Unladylike Lessons in Love
"This romantic adventure bolts from the first page while following professional hostess Lila Marleigh as she untangles a crime and finds lust—or is it love? You’ll have to finish this in one sitting—call in sick!" — Sumi Hahn, author of The Mermaid from Jeju, on Unladylike Lessons in Love
Library Journal
03/01/2024
Anya Marleigh is content with her comfortable life at court. As the out-of-wedlock daughter of an earl and his Indian mistress, she could hardly hope for more. When a mysterious bequest from a dowager countess leaves her in line to inherit a fortune, however, she dares to dream of independence. There's just one catch: to inherit, she must marry in the few short weeks before her 25th birthday; otherwise, the riches go to Lord Damian Ashton, the countess's ne'er-do-well nephew. Though Damian wants nothing to do with the money, he knows that his and Anya's lives are at risk so long as his scheming relatives seek to claim the fortune for themselves. Murray presents the second installment in her "Marleigh Sisters" Regency series (following Unladylike Lessons in Love). Full of suspense and scandal, this plot-driven novel is exciting and engrossing. A great cast of supporting characters rounds out the compelling tale. VERDICT This book will appeal to readers seeking a richly detailed historical romance with a side of intrigue and adventure. Recommended for fans of Sarah MacLean, Maya Rodale, and Eva Leigh.—Lauren Hackert
