The Runaway Countess

LaValle’s slow-moving debut keeps the focus on sexual tension. Mazie Chetwyn is a known accomplice to the so-called Midnight Rider, a Robin Hood–like highwayman. When she’s caught trying to pawn stolen goods, darkly handsome Trent, the 12th earl of Radford, tries to persuade her to reveal the identity and location of her partner in crime. Despite the carrot of her attraction to Radford and the stick of abuse at the hands of his magistrate, Mazie remains stoically adamant. When Radford’s sister recognizes Mazie as Lady Margaret Parthena Harlan Chetwyn, errant daughter of a dishonored lord, for the sake of appearances Radford is compelled to play host to his prisoner. Of course duty rubs passion the wrong way and Mazie’s feminine wiles just plain rub at Radford. Witty banter does nothing to overcome a flimsy plot. Agent: Nalini Akolekar, Spencerhill Associates. (Mar.)