cover image The Baron Next Door

The Baron Next Door

Erin Knightley. Signet Eclipse, $7.99 mass market (336p) ISBN 978-0-451-46678-5

Knightley’s first prelude to a Kiss music-themed romance will delight Regency fans looking to escape London’s stuffy ballrooms. Charity Effington wants to play the pianoforte at the Summer Serenade in Somerset and enjoy Bath’s social whirl without gossips tittering about her broken betrothal. Hugh Danby, Baron of Cadgwick, seeks relief from his war wounds in Bath’s famous healing waters so that he can live up to his new baronial responsibilities. The last thing he wants is to fall in love, especially with a pianist whose music aggravates his condition. Charity is overwhelmed with a petty rival, a competing suitor, and an overbearing father, but new BFFs May and Sophie are on hand for comedy and support. Hugh alternates between letting down his guard and hurting Charity with his distance, unable to believe in his own worth. Their intricate courtship dance is supremely gratifying, and readers will eagerly await future stories of the Summer Serenade. [em](June) [/em]