Only a predictable ending mars this smoky Victorian romance, a follow-up to 2008's Never Trust a Scoundrel
. Outspoken, progressive Abigail Shaw has reluctantly decided that society gossip is the only thing that will bring readers back to her father's dying newspaper. A rumor from a friend mentions Christopher Cabot, the duke of Madingley, so Abigail sneaks into his sister's debut. When she finds the duke hiding from two marriage-minded ladies, Abigail brazenly offers to play the role of his lover, keeping his preying suitors at bay while learning more about his secret past. As they play their roles to perfection, their sham relationship grows into something genuine, until a malicious reporter resolves to disgrace the duke and Abby's true identity is revealed. While the story's finale is scripted and cheesy, readers will enjoy the preceding trysts, secrets and passion. (Dec.)
