Recklessly Yours

The third installment of Chase’s Her Majesty’s Secret Service series disappoints when compared to 2010’s creative, science-focused Outrageously Yours. In the service of young Queen Victoria, Holly Sutherland must uncover whether Colin Ashworth, earl of Drayton, switched a prized horse given to the queen by his unscrupulous father. The queen wishes to give the stallion to Prince Albert and “delivering any but the promised colt... could spark an international incident.” This weak premise sends Holly off to Ascot, where she renews her acquaintance with Colin, whose interest in science is described but never developed, and they embark on a road trip to find the missing colt, who is suspected of having mystical qualities related to an ancient family curse. Fans of Chase’s previous efforts will be less enthralled by this pleasant but formulaic romance. (Dec.)