Not Proper Enough

Jewel follows Not Wicked Enough with a charming but diaphanous confection. The I-love-you-I-hate-you-kiss-me story consists primarily of taunting verbal and romantic exchanges between Lady Eugenia “Ginny” Bryant and Grenville Foxman “Fox” Talbot, marquess of Fenris. Ginny, recently out of protracted mourning over the death of her husband, Robert, is enjoying newfound freedom as she guides her friend Hester Rendell through the smart, clumsy young woman’s first season. The only thing souring Ginny’s life is that Fox, formerly Robert’s best friend, is suddenly paying her far too much attention. Ginny can’t forgive him for some very rude, insulting remarks he once made; little does she know it was all part of Fox’s plan to get over his own unrequited longings for Ginny and help Robert pursue her. While the banter is delightful and the romance is steamy, there’s too little substance to sustain the novel’s length. Agent: Kristin Nelson, Nelson Literary Agency. (Sept.)