The Innkeeper’s Daughter

Schwarz (Wicked House) launches her Gentleman Spy Mysteries series with an immersive and suspenseful Regency romance. Eliza Broad’s criminal stepfather beats her and throws her into the cellar of his inn, threatening to sell her into marriage to an associate named Wilkins. But Eliza escapes and Sir Henry March, an operative of the Crown, chances upon her on the side of the road and brings her to his London home to heal from her injuries. During the course of Eliza’s recovery, Henry takes her shopping in Covent Garden—where Wilkins, who has ties to a large prostitution ring, attempts to kidnap her. Henry saves her yet again and the two grow even closer. While attending a ball together, Eliza overhears one of Wilkins’s associates plotting to kidnap a woman named Stephanie Adams on behalf of an unknown aristocrat. Henry believes that the traitorous Lord Astor, a spy who sold British intelligence to the French, may be behind the scheme, and he and Eliza join forces to rescue Stephanie. Henry and Eliza’s refreshing relationship is built on friendship, respect, and mutual attraction—and their early chemistry gives way to sensual interludes. The magnetic love scenes and enticing mystery will have readers eagerly anticipating the next installment. (Jan.)