Better Off Wed

Craig’s zippy third Love and Let Spy Regency romance (after One Thing Leads to a Lover) focuses on Laura Hopkins, who lives a double life as vigilante Lady Sterling, targeting men who’ve mistreated their female servants. Her latest quest is to free Emily Godfrey, a governess in Kent, from her notorious employer, Lord Thornton. Capt. Jeremy Addison, coincidentally titled Lord Sterling, is a spy for the crown ordered to track down the elusive Lady Sterling. When Laura suffers a carriage accident on the way to Kent and seeks shelter in a nearby pub, their paths collide. Jeremy recognizes her as Lady Sterling, and when he breathes this infamous name aloud the room turns on her. To cover, Laura assures the other patrons that he did not mean Lady Sterling as in the thief, but rather as in his new wife, and Jeremy goes along with the ruse. Lord Thornton happens to also be at the pub and offers to host the newlyweds—giving Laura the perfect opportunity to snoop for blackmail materials. As Laura and Jeremy’s faux marriage gives rise to true attraction, Jeremy begins to suspect Lord Thornton of treason, putting both their lives in danger. Craig’s enticing, do-gooder characters will win over readers while the simmering mystery keeps the pages flying. Fans won’t be disappointed. (Dec.)