A Love Most Daring

Barker continues her Regency Bow Street series (after So True a Love) with this sweet romance complete with a dynamic mystery. Two years after unfounded rumors forced Beatrice Lacey to leave London for her family home in the country, she returns to the city to visit her friend, Ginny. While enjoying an outing at Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens with Ginny, Ginny’s husband, Jack, a retired law enforcement officer of the Bow Street magistrates court, and current Bow Street Runner Alexander Rawlings, Beatrice saves Alexander from a knife-wielding assailant. The man, who Alexander suspects is connected to his ongoing investigation into a viscount’s murder, gets away—and Alexander fears he will target Beatrice next because she may be able to identify him. So Alexander whisks her from London to his country estate, where, to avoid a scandal, Beatrice agrees to pretend to be his mother’s companion. Their forced proximity leads to mutual attraction as Alexander realizes he would do anything to protect the woman who constantly challenges and inspires him. The intrigue simmers and the chaste love story offers plenty of big emotions. Regency fans will be charmed. (Mar.)