7B

March 1, 2001
In Cameron's third Regency set at 7 Mayfair Square (following All Smiles), 28-year-old Sibyl Smiles resolves to have a child without the hindrance of a husband. Her dilemma lies in finding a man who will provide the service to get her pregnant. Discarding her shyness, Sibyl propositions her friend and neighbor Hunter Lloyd. Though wrangling with Sibyl over her offer occupies most of his attention, Hunter must also investigate the kidnapping of his law partner. Sibyl's friends add spunk and laughs as they coach Sibyl on seducing Hunter, who alternates between fighting off and embracing her advances; and the "benevolent spirit" that has been guiding matters of the heart at Mayfair Square uses its influence to push the two together as well. Readers unfamiliar with the ghost may find its asides to be a jarring intrusion, and even fans of this series will note its increased prevalence here. Clearly, though, the ghost reveals enough background information from the outset to render the straggling dialogue that bulks up the first third of the book unnecessary. Although Cameron's fans will find these rambling historicals disappointing compared to her contemporary romantic thrillers, they will undoubtedly show their devotion by reading this series through to its conclusion.