cover image I Kissed a Rogue

I Kissed a Rogue

Shana Galen. Sourcebooks Casablanca, $7.99 mass market (352p) ISBN 978-1-4022-9877-6

It’s a madcap adventure through London and the surrounding countryside as Sir Brook Derring protects Lady Lillian-Anne from assassins and kidnappers in Galen’s fourth entry into the Covent Garden Cubs series (following The Rogue You Know). Brook was devastated years ago when Lila threw his marriage proposal back in his face. The last thing he wants is to be Lila’s defender, but can’t refuse an order from the nobility. Lila falls for Brook very quickly; however, she recognizes that until he can forgive her and see that she’s not the selfish, spoiled girl he once knew, their relationship has no future. Brook nurtures his old anger even as he introduces Lila to lovemaking, who holds up admirably well under the threats to her life. Brook’s petulance is frustrating, because all the elements of a charming love story are present: whispered confidences, taking care of each other, and fiery love scenes. This Regency-era romance is all about second chances, making amends, and giving love a chance, but it does require a fair bit of patience. Agent: Joanna MacKenzie, Browne & Miller Literary Associates. (Mar.)