Otherwise Engaged

Starred review from March 15, 2014
When Victorian world traveler Amity Doncaster meets an injured Benedict Stanbridge in a dark alley on a small Caribbean island, she saves his life and falls in love with him, leading them both into peril. When Benedict, an engineer, is unwittingly caught up in an international intrigue that nearly costs him his life, he's saved by Amity, an intrepid travel-guide writer. Arriving back in London weeks after her, he learns that she has been attacked by a notorious serial killer, but due to her quick thinking and a clever secret weapon, she has survived. Determined to catch the killer, Benedict and Amity offer their help to the Scotland Yard investigator on the case, piecing together clues that link Amity's assault to the work Benedict was doing on behalf of the crown that led to his attack. But even as they close in on the killer, they realize there's someone behind the scenes who may be even more dangerous. And as Benedict and Amity chase the culprit with a tight circle of friends, their courtship is marred by confusion and misunderstanding. Quick (aka Jayne Ann Krentz) moves away from paranormal elements in this historical romantic suspense novel, but she maintains her stellar plotting, exquisite dialogue and impeccable characterization. Benedict and Amity are a perfect pair, but their path to romantic bliss is hindered by physical danger and a charming uncertainty on both sides. Sexy romance and intriguing mystery combine for a wholly satisfying and entertaining read.

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April 15, 2014
Miss Amity Doncaster, intrepid world traveler and guidebook writer, is nothing if not self-sufficient. So when a serial killer known as the Bridegroom snatches Amity off the London streets in broad daylight, she fends him off with her lethal steel-bladed war fan and escapes. But the Bridegroom is not dead--and Amity quickly becomes the target of his insane fixation. As a safety measure, Amity agrees to a fake engagement with engineer and temporary Crown spy Benedict Stanbridge. They work to track down the killer, but their relationship deepens, taking a more passionate turn. VERDICT Intrigue and mystery abound in this witty, cleverly crafted tale that treats fans to a charming double romance and heralds Quick's return to nonparanormal, suspenseful historicals--at least for the moment. Quick ("The Mystery Woman") lives in the Seattle area.

Copyright 2014 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from April 1, 2014
There is nothing Londoners love more than a good scandal, and Amity Doncaster has given the city's residents plenty to talk about. While en route home to London, Amity's Good-Samaritan efforts to take care of Benedict Stanbridge, a wounded fellow passenger on the Northern Star, are transformed into a tawdry shipboard tryst by scandalmongers. When Amity finally arrives in London, she has the misfortune to be abducted by the serial killer known as the Bridegroom for his attacks on women. Thanks to her cool head and a cleverly weaponized lady's fan, Amity escapes the killer's clutches, only to find herself once again fodder for gossip. Fortunately, Benedict has the perfect solution. If they pretend to become engaged, not only will it diffuse any of the rumors about their shipboard relationship, it will also allow Benedict to stick close to Amity's side until the Bridegroom can be stopped once and for all. Neatly complemented by equal measures of smoldering chemistry and lively banter, the action-packed plot is served up with plenty of dramatic flair and just the right dash of dry wit, making this a first-rate addition to Quick's canon of classic historical romances.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2014, American Library Association.)