It Started with a Kiss

March 6, 2017
Quinn delivers an amusing continuation of the Worthington family’s Regency-era marital exploits in this third installment (after When a Marquis Chooses a Bride). Louisa Vivers is a headstrong young heiress enjoying her first London season and facing the need to make it clear to the dithering Lord Bentley that she does not return his affections. This need becomes pressing when a chance encounter with Bentley’s cousin Gideon, Duke of Rothwell, leaves her convinced she’s found the man she’s destined to marry. Gideon, freshly returned from Canada, has just discovered that his father has nearly ruined the family through gambling and pampering a mistress. Distraught, Gideon nevertheless finds himself obsessed with Louisa, even when he realizes pursuing her means crossing his dear cousin. Both lovers must hope for the success of Louisa’s straightforward plan to shove Bentley in the direction of other eligible ladies. Covering more time than previous entries in the series, Gideon and Louisa’s courtship and the early weeks of their marriage will charm and delight new readers as well as series veterans. Agent: Elizabeth Pomada, Larsen-Pomada Literary.

March 1, 2017
A foolish duke is too proud to tell his beloved about his problems and almost loses her as a result.Any novelist who serves up love at first sight on Page 1 has a hard task ahead--to conjure up enough problems to move the characters and the plot through several hundred more pages before the lovers achieve their happily-ever-after. Quinn (When a Marquis Chooses a Bride, 2016, etc.) is mostly successful in the third book in her Regency series, The Worthingtons. Lady Louisa Vivers captivates Gideon, Duke of Rothwell, the moment she gallops past him on an early-morning ride. Both Louisa and Gideon know their own hearts relatively quickly. But Gideon is preoccupied with the terrible mess he's inherited from his father, who suffered from dementia in the years before he died. He squandered much of the estate's assets and allowed himself to be swindled by a courtesan. Gideon is determined to restore the dukedom's fortunes himself, with no help from Louisa's dowry and no help from Louisa herself. He refuses even to tell her what's going on, not wanting to sully her ears with the sordid tale. Louisa is no fool and knows that Gideon is hiding something from her. Everyone who knows the whole story urges Gideon to let Louisa know the truth, but he's afraid that Louisa will barge in and manage the whole affair. Louisa wants a true partnership with Gideon, while Gideon wants to shield her from real life and any semblance of work. This is a frustrating tableau for the reader, who comes easily to like these well-drawn characters and their outrageous families. In fact, the happy and chaotic family life that takes place around the edges of the love story is what makes this novel so delightful. A fun read.

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March 15, 2017
Quinn continues her delightful Worthington series, following When a Marquis Chooses a Bride (2016). In this installment, Lady Louisa falls in love with her brother's friend, Gideon, Duke of Rothwell. Gideon is trying to learn why his late father's assets have vanished, along with several of the family jewels. He is not in a financial position fit for matrimony, but nor can he resist the smart, beautiful Louisa. Quinn's couples do not prevaricate over misunderstandings, as often happens in the romance genre, but rather they acknowledge their feelings and overcome obstacles together in a refreshing approach. A groom who cannot help but kiss and propose to his love, even as he tries to stay away from her until his fortunes are established, and a bride who is smart and savvy enough to help build an estate make for a memorable courtship. Quinn addresses dementia and feminism in a story with strong, memorable characters and a successful plot. Fans of Amanda Quick and Tessa Dare will enjoy this intelligent historical romance.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2017, American Library Association.)