One and Only

In her first single-title release, Bretton borrows from real-life royalty and tabloid sensationalism to breath life into Judith Krantz-style characters. Set in the fictional principality of Perreault, this seductive novel simmers with international intrigue, sex and betrayal. The pampered but industrious heroine is Princess Isabelle, whose lifestyle takes a downhill turn after being tossed out of the castle without so much as a franc by Juliana, her hateful older sister. Juliana has been groomed from birth to inherit the throne, which she does with a vengeance after their father dies. Inexplicably acquiescent-her only major character flaw-Isabelle flees to New York where she finds fame and fortune by cashing in on her royal title. Romance appears in the form of Daniel Bronson (read, Kennedy). Isabelle's newfound happiness takes a dangerous turn when she becomes pregnant-because her child, a boy, will loosen Juliana's hold on the throne. To what lengths will Juliana, her womanizing husband and her drug lord father-in-law go to retain control of Perrault? Stay tuned. This nicely plotted sizzler takes readers on an energetic romp through the world of the privileged class. (Sept.)