cover image Celine

Celine

Kathleen Bittner Roth. Kensington/Zebra, $6.99 mass market (352p) ISBN 978-1-4201-3528-2

In pre–Civil War Louisiana, Celine Kirkland is grieving the death of her husband and unborn child. She finds refuge at the plantation home of the Andrews family, but is thrown off guard when ladies’ man Trevor Andrews comes to visit. Celine worries that if she succumbs to her powerful attraction to Trevor, she would just be another of his many conquests, but as she discovers the man beneath Trevor’s arrogance, she can’t help falling in love with him. Meanwhile, she inadvertently starts a rift between Trevor and his cousin Cameron. Roth (A Duke’s Wicked Kiss) creates an admirable protagonist in Celine, who is more than a simpering Southern belle. Celine hasn’t forgotten her humble beginnings and is determined to exercise her independence in a society where women have few rights. When she decides to make the long and dangerous trip to California, her strength of character grows. The complex characters and rich sensuality make this a story to be savored. Agent: Jill Marsal, Marsal Lyon Literary Agency. (Oct.)