Happily Ever After

Crosby (On Bended Knee) stays true to form in this lively late-19th-century romance about Sophia Vanderwahl, a Boston heiress funding her delinquent fianc , Harlan Penn, who has gone off to explore the Yucatan and, as it becomes apparent, the joy of native women. Looking for retribution, Sophia sets out to find Harlan and give back his engagement ring. She hires Jack MacAuley, an overbearing adventurer--and old rival of Harlan's--to take her to Mexico. Though suspicious of Sophia's motives in using him, Jack needs the money to finance an expedition of his own. Jack is convinced that Sophia is out to sabotage his boat, but before long, angry sparks turn into romantic ones. Gradually Jack and Sophia each learn to trust the other as both lover and friend. The entertaining banter of Crosby's characters will keep readers engaged in this humorous romance. (Nov.)