The Scandalous Ladies of London: The Countess

Bestseller Jordan (the Duke Hunt series) will have readers rooting for adultery with this risqué and alluring series launch. Lady Gertrude “Tru” Chatham plans to help her daughter, Delia, navigate London’s Marriage Mart successfully, until her estranged, greedy husband declares that he has already picked Delia’s match and demands she marry for money rather than love. Jasper Thorne is the wealthy chosen suitor, himself in need of a titled bride to help raise his 10-year-old daughter. Jasper’s on board with the scheme until he meets Tru and falls not for his intended, but for her mother. Only four years Tru’s junior, Jasper is drawn to her fire and voluptuous curves. Tru is equally fascinated by the handsome and flirtatious newcomer, but she doesn’t want to hurt Delia or stoop to the levels of her unfaithful husband. Not one to back down, Jasper goes after what he wants but is careful with Tru’s reputation, concocting a plan with Delia that will save them both from bad circumstances. Jordan conjures such chemistry between Tru and Jasper—and makes Lord Chatham so odious—that readers will leave any qualms at the door. The tantalizing struggle between love and honor at the heart of this delectable romance keeps the pages flying. Agent: Maura Kye-Casella, Don Congdon Assoc. (Mar.)