The Importance of Being Wicked

December 17, 2012
Winfield Elliott, viscount Stillwell, is determined to rebuild his ancestral home after a devastating fire, and the architectural firm Garret and Tempest comes highly recommended. Traditionalist Winfield is flabbergasted when Miranda Garret shows up to oversee the project, claiming Mr. Garret is really in charge (though in fact he’s no longer alive). The 20th century is only a few years away, and Miranda is ready for some changes. She immediately decides Winfield is a twit and sets out to manipulate and trick him into letting her modernize the old manor. Alexander (What Happens at Christmas) uses historical context to frame what Miranda wants and Winfield expects, but the romance plods, with little groundwork for the two falling in love. The saving grace is the novella at the end introducing each of Winfield’s three ex-fiancées, who have distinct personalities and are much more fun to read about than Miranda. Agent: Meg Ruley, Jane Rotrosen Agency.

February 15, 2013

Plagued by three broken engagements and a fire-damaged family manor in need of repair, Winfield Elliott, Viscount Stillwell, is not about to let his life be upset by a smart, outspoken widow whose company is in charge of Fairborough Hall's renovation. Lady Miranda Garrett, it becomes apparent, is also the anonymous architect behind her late husband's work and a woman Win just can't resist--with deliciously scandalous results. VERDICT A wicked rake, a savvy lady, and a most improper proposal combine in this funny, sexy, totally delightful Regency tale that entertains completely and will leave readers hoping for more. Alexander (What Happens at Christmas) lives in Omaha.

Copyright 2013 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

February 1, 2013
Winfield Elliott, Viscount Stillwell, naturally expects to speak with a man at his appointment with the architectural firm of Garret and Tempest, so he is more than a bit surprised when Miranda Garret shows up. Win doesn't need a woman, he needs an architect who can repair Fairborough Hall, his family's ancestral home. Since no other firm in London is willing to even consider taking on the commission, let alone guarantee that the remodeling work will be done before the annual summer ball, Win really has no other choice but to meet with Miranda. Of course, it isn't as if Miranda will actually be drafting the remodel of Fairborough Hall herself. That is what Mr. Tempest will be doing. At least that is what Miranda seems to be implying in this cleverly conceived and delightfully droll romance. Between them, Win and Miranda generate an abundance of fast-paced, snappy dialogue and a bounty of sexy chemistry, proving that the ever-reliable Alexander is now the go-to author for historical romance readers in search of love and laughter.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2013, American Library Association.)