TEMPTED

Since its 16th-century inception, the nickname "Wicked Wainridge" has suited the region's licentious lords, but Alexander Drummond, the eighth heir to the Wainridge dukedom, is the first in his lineage to prefer chasing miscreants to maids. An upright Customs Board official, Alex has a knack for outfoxing smugglers, but he doesn't suspect that the newest addition to his household, the spirited, straight-speaking alleged young widow Mary Callahan, is both the daughter of a vengeance-minded smuggler and the Royal Circus's famed female stunt rider Artemis. The mayhem that ensues after the uncommon commoner is hired as nursemaid for Alex's difficult daughter encompasses kidnapping, daring escapes, several magical scenes of Cockney-to-courtly transformation, crucial cameo appearances by the Prince Regent (later George IV) and, eventually, some spectacular yet sensitively portrayed sex scenes. Britton's (Seduced , etc.) unusual characterizations, command of upper- and lower-class dialects and delightful sense of humor make this Regency-era romp much more than just great winter cruise reading. This is the kind of book that romance fans will read and reread on gloomy days. (Jan.)

Forecast: Cover praise from Amanda Quick and a sensual cover image will attract fans of sexy historical romances, and the book's irresistible humor and unique narrative voice will spur word-of-mouth sales.