Virginia and the Wolf

A crime-solving widow meets her match with a handsome earl in Connolly’s third Society of Single Ladies historical romance (after The Making of a Marquess). Virginia, Lady Dulverton, is reluctant to give up her independence by marrying again, traumatized by her experiences with her controlling late husband. So she’s not particularly bothered by the clause in her late husband’s will stating that if she marries within the next six years she’ll lose her inheritance. But the lovestruck Francis, Earl of Wolverley, is determined to have her hand. When Francis is attacked by an unseen party and falls off his carriage, Virginia takes him into her home to care for him, and their relationship deepens. Needing to put some distance between them before things go too far, Virginia travels to Devonshire alone, but Francis soon follows, believing Virginia may be in danger. They then go to Virginia’s property near the coast and together uncover a sinister smuggling ring. As Francis works to persuade Virginia to marry him, inheritance or no, the mystery surrounding his attackers and secrets from Virginia’s first marriage add intensity to their slow-burning romance. Readers will enjoy Virginia’s transformation from an emotionally scarred widow to a woman empowered by love. [em](Nov.) [/em]