Undressed by the Earl

This genuinely funny and thoughtful third Secrets in Silk Regency romance (after Unraveled by the Rebel) is a delightful addition to the series. Amelia Andrews is completely ill-suited for David Hartford, the Earl of Castledon. She’s young, spirited, and in love with Viscount Lisford, a dangerous rake. Castledon is stoic and solitary, still haunted by the memory of his late wife. He’s determined to find a mother for his daughter this Season, while Amelia is determined to reform the scoundrel Lisford into a proper husband. Amelia and Castledon are shocked when feelings blossom between them, while the wretched Lisford plots to steal Amelia away. High-spirited heroine Amelia is slightly reminiscent of Austen’s Emma, full of youthful energy that propels the romance and charms the taciturn hero. The elements of blackmail, vengeance, and forbidden love weave their way into the story, making this an outstanding page-turner that lacks only a conclusive resolution to a few loose strands of plot. (July)