When She Was Wicked

Seamstress Annabelle Honeycote has a secret. In fact, she has several, and she keeps them to herself for a small fee, following a strict code of “Nevers” to keep her blackmail schemes in check. When she targets handsome Owen Sherbourne, the duke of Huntford, her plans fail spectacularly. Owen is captivated by the beguiling extortionist, and rather than turn her over to authorities, he insists she create new wardrobes for his two sisters, feisty Olivia and mute Rose. As the days pass, Annabelle becomes closer to the sisters and falls deeply in love with Owen. Soon, the secrets she promised to keep may have to be revealed to save the new family she’s come to adore. Sensual and solid, this debut is a story demanding to be read. The characters are believable and relatable, and Barton smartly blends issues of morality and Regency-era social class with passion and excitement. (Feb.)