Love Is a Rogue

Bell (How the Duke Was Won) unites a bookish Lady looking forward to spinsterhood with a handsome carpenter in the sparkling launch of her Wallflowers vs. Rogues series. In 1830 Cornwall, Lady Beatrice Bentley struggles to complete work on an etymological dictionary at Thornhill House, her brother’s mansion, but is distracted by the presence of Ford Wright, a dashing rogue working on renovations to the estate. After Beatrice returns to London and reluctantly follows her mother’s command to attend the events of the season, she inherits a bookstore from an estranged aunt and determines to transform it into a haven for her companions in the Mayfair Ladies Knitting League. When Ford turns up in London hoping to consult with Beatrice’s brother on business, Beatrice hires him to complete repairs on the shop. As the pair spend more time together, Ford’s teasing of Beatrice turns into a genuine infatuation with her intelligence and caring, though he believes she will never return his affections because of their class disparity. But Beatrice blossoms through her friendship with Ford, learning to stand up to her mother, exert her independence, and go after what she wants. Witty, insightful dialogue and expertly developed characters fill the chapters of this page-turner. Gripping and emotionally charged, this romance promises more good things from the series to come. Agent: Alexandra Machinist, ICM Partners. (Nov.)