Tour Review - - The Lady Travelers Guide to Larceny with a Dashing Stranger

The Lady Travelers Guide to Larceny with a Dashing Stranger
By Victoria Alexander
Publisher: HQN
Release Date: November 28, 2017
Reviewed by PJ

She must secure her future

A lady should never be obliged to think of matters financial! But when Lady Wilhelmina Bascombe’s carefree, extravagant lifestyle vanishes with the demise of her husband, her only hope lies in retrieving a family treasure—a Renaissance masterpiece currently in the hands of a cunning art collector in Venice. Thankfully, the Lady Travelers Society has orchestrated a clever plan to get Willie to Europe, leading a tour of mothers and daughters…and one curiously attentive man.

He must reclaim his heritage

Dante Augustus Montague’s one passion has long been his family’s art collection. He’s finally tracked a long-lost painting to the enchanting Lady Bascombe. Convinced that the canvas had been stolen, he will use any means to reclaim his birthright—including deception. But how long before pretend infatuation gives way to genuine desire?

Now they’re rivals for a prize that will change everything

Willie and Dante know they’re playing with fire in the magical moonlit city. Their common quest could compromise them both…or lead them to happily-ever-after. 


Victoria Alexander's second Lady Travelers Society novel is a sparkling gem filled with witty dialogue, intriguing characters, and a delightful romance that unfolds against the backdrop of some of Europe's oldest and most beautiful cities. I didn't want to put it down.

Willie and Dante are so much fun! Poor Dante. He's a brilliant businessman, passionate about his art and his family, who accompanies his sister and niece on the mother/daughter tour being "hosted" by Willie with one goal in mind: retrieve his grandfather's painting before Willie can. He's had the lady thoroughly investigated, of course and expects what rumor and reputation suggest. What he discovers is someone more complex, more intelligent, more challenging, more lovely. Will his goal change mid-stream? Will the lady become more important than the painting? Will she ever forgive his deception? Will his sister spend the rest of her life saying, "I told you so?"

I adored Willie. Growing up without the loving guidance of caring parents, she eloped with her charming husband at a young age and embarked upon a madcap life that was all parties and fun. It all comes to a crashing halt when she finds herself a widow at twenty-eight, is deserted by all of her "friends," and discovers her philandering husband has left her not just penniless but in debt. Recovering the painting left to her by her grandmother will bring her the much-needed funds to ensure her survival. Hosting the tour is a means to an end. She doesn't expect to enjoy it - or the people on it - quite so much. She doesn't expect to discover how much more she really is, or to make friends, real friends, or to find love - the deep, lasting, genuine kind. But will that love survive Dante's deception? 

I enjoyed Alexander's first Lady Travelers book but this one is even better. The entire cast of characters is a delight, vibrantly drawn and encouraging the reader to know them better. I'm hopeful some of them will show up again in future Lady Travelers books. The cities visited on the tour are also characters of a sort. Alexander's descriptions are a feast for the senses, making me feel as if I were right there with Willie, Dante and the others, absorbing the history, the scenery, and the romance of their destinations. It made me want to book a tour of my own!

If you enjoy witty banter, heart-felt romance, and characters that leap from the pages, all set within some of Europe's most fascinating cities, book your own tour with Willie and Dante in Victoria Alexander's The Lady Travelers Guide to Larceny with a Dashing Stranger. 

Do you enjoy road romances?

Have you read any of Victoria Alexander's books? Do you have a favorite book or series?

What countries would you most like to tour?

One randomly chosen person leaving a comment will receive a copy of The Lady Travelers Guide to Larceny with a Dashing Stranger.  (U.S. / Canada only)

Purchase Links

Amazon | Books-A-Million | Barnes & Noble

Connect with Victoria

Website | Facebook | Twitter

Victoria Alexander’s TLC Book Tours TOUR STOPS:

Friday, December 1st: View from the Birdhouse

Friday, December 1st: The Sketchy Reader – spotlight/excerpt

Monday, December 4th: Moonlight Rendezvous

Tuesday, December 5th: Reading Reality

Wednesday, December 6th: Books a la Mode – spotlight/excerpt

Thursday, December 7th: The Romance Dish

Friday, December 8th: What I’m Reading

Monday, December 11th: A Chick Who Reads

Tuesday, December 12th: The Sassy Bookster – spotlight/excerpt

Wednesday, December 13th: From the TBR Pile

Wednesday, December 13th: BTH Reviews

Thursday, December 14th: Blogging with A

Friday, December 15th: OMG Reads

Monday, December 18th: A Holland Reads

Tuesday, December 19th: A Night’s Dream of Books

Wednesday, December 20th: Jathan & Heather

Thursday, December 21st: Books & Bindings

Friday, December 22nd: Book Reviews and More by Kathy

Today's Special - - Harlequin Winter Holiday Traditions (+Reads) Blog Tour

I'm delighted to welcome the Harlequin Winter Holiday Traditions (+Reads) Blog Tour to The Romance Dish today. One of my favorite holiday traditions is curling up on the sofa under the glow of the Christmas tree with a cup of hot chocolate (laced with Kahlua is even better) and losing myself in a good book. Today, I'm happy to share an excerpt from one of Harlequin's Winter Reads: Can't Let Go, the emotional fifth book in New York Times Bestselling Author, Gena Showalter's The Original Heartbreakers contemporary romance series. 

Excerpt from Can’t Let Go by Gena Showalter

He was back.

Ryanne Wade poured her world-famous fruit cocktail moonshine—affectionately known as CockaMoon—into a small mason jar and, as discreetly as possible, watched as Jude Laurent prowled through her bar. And okay, the moonshine wasn’t exactly world famous but regionally famous. Okay, almost regionally famous; made from her personal recipe, it was distilled at a local brewery and sold exclusively at the Scratching Post.

Jude had once called the drink Downfall in a Glass. Or DIG. Like, you’re digging your own grave, Wade. Just to get a rise out of her, she was sure.

The former army ranger was a new resident in her hometown, and one of three co-owners of LPH Protec­tion, a security firm. Sometimes he looked like a brawler from the maddest, baddest streets, yet other times he looked like a businessman fresh from a boardroom negotiation—and he’d won. Tonight, he was a bona fide brawler, ready to throw down and heat women up. He wore a black T-shirt, ripped jeans and combat boots. Leather cuffs circled his wrists, and three silver rings glinted on his fingers. His version of brass knuckles?

No matter his persona du jour, he was always as gor­geous and tempting as sin—and an all-around pain in Ryanne’s backside.

He really churned her butter.

Usually he only blessed the Scratching Post with his exalted presence when one of his two friends required a designated driver. He never ordered anything but water, and never spent a dime or even left a tip for the wait­ress unlucky enough to serve him. Namely Ryanne. Not even the insulting kind of tip: a note on a napkin. Fetch my drinks faster next time, and you’ll get cash.

The worst thing about him? He liked to stand at the jukebox and intimidate patrons with a death-ray glare. Oh, and let’s not forget how he sometimes attempted to police the door, commanding people to sit and stay as if they were dogs, simply because they’d had a sip of something—anything—alcoholic.

The nerve of the man. And the body on him…

Ryanne fanned her flushed cheeks. Time to crank up the air conditioner. Because no, her boiling blood had nothing to do with Jude’s sexy, muscled, delicious, sexy, mouthwatering, sexy good looks.

Not too long ago—okay, okay, soon after meeting Jude—Ryanne had decided to nix her ban on roman­tic relationships and pick someone to date. The timing was purely coincidental, of course, but her hormones had been out of whack ever since.

Besides, even if she did want Jude, she wouldn’t go after him. Despite his surly attitude, females young and old continued to approach him in droves, stealthily or not so stealthily dangling their bait, but he never even nibbled. He might as well have Off Limits tattooed on his forehead.

Was tonight the night he relaxed and had a little fun?

Shivers rained over her as he cast a dark, brooding glance in her direction. He had collar-length blond hair

with the slightest wave, eyes bluer than a morning sky, and the body of a surfer: lean, muscled and bronzed. But he also had a perma-frown. To her knowledge, he’d never smiled, joked or laughed, and he’d always radi­ated scary-hot menace and aggression.

If he ever smiled…goodness gracious, her hormones might explode from lust overload!

Of course, he had a good reason for his bad attitude. A few years ago, he lost his entire family in a terrible car accident; his wife and twin daughters were gone in the blink of an eye. Talk about the ultimate heart­ache. Ryanne reckoned guilt and grief ate at him on a daily—hourly—basis. And she absolutely 100 percent empathized.

But come on! His troubled past didn’t give him the right to accuse her of duplicitous flirting practices in order to boost return visits, and oversalting snacks to ensure patrons remained thirsty. First, she wasn’t a plain, ordinary flirt; she was flirtish, and there was a difference. She wasn’t after conquests but smiles. Sec­ond, how would Jude know anything about the food? He hadn’t tasted a single dish she served.

For some reason, he’d pegged Ryanne as a villain­ess at their first meeting, and his opinion of her hadn’t changed.

Dang him. I’m as sweet as sugar, and probably tast­ier to boot!

When he turned on his heel and headed her way, a frisson of electricity raced through her. Their gazes locked once again, and his step hitched—so did her breath. The sight of him, drawing nearer while fully focused on her…

Keep your cool, mi querida.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Can't Let Go
by Gena Showalter
Publisher: HQN
Release Date: October 31, 2017

New York Times bestselling author Gena Showalter is back with a sizzling Original Heartbreakers tale about an icy war vet and the only woman capable of melting him…
With trust issues a mile long, Ryanne Wade has sworn off men. Then Jude Laurent walks into her bar, and all bets are off. The former army ranger has suffered unimaginably, first being maimed in battle then losing his wife and daughters to a drunk driver. Making the brooding widower smile is priority one. Resisting him? Impossible.

For Jude, Ryanne is off-limits. And yet the beautiful bartender who serves alcohol to potential motorists tempts him like no other. When a rival bar threatens her livelihood—and her life—he can’t turn away. She triggers something in him he thought long buried, and he’s determined to protect her, whatever the cost.
As their already scorching attraction continues to heat, the damaged soldier knows he must let go of his past to hold on to his future…or risk losing the second chance he desperately needs.

Gena Showalter is the New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of over fifty books, including the acclaimed Lords of the Underworld and Angels of the Dark series, and the White Rabbit Chronicles. She writes sizzling paranormal romance, heartwarming contemporary romance, and unputdownable young adult novels, and lives in Oklahoma City with her family and menagerie of dogs. Visit her at GenaShowalter.com.

Have you read any Christmas romances yet this year? 

Have you read any of Gena Showalter's The Original Heartbreakers books?

What's your Christmas reading beverage of choice?






a Rafflecopter giveaway

Blog Tour Review - - Christmastime Cowboy

Christmastime Cowboy
By Maisey Yates
Publisher: HQN
Release Date: October 24, 2018
Reviewed by PJ

  

It's Christmas in Copper Ridge, and love is waiting to be unwrapped… 

Falling for a bad boy once is forgivable. Twice would just be foolish. When Sabrina Leighton first offered her teenage innocence to gorgeous, tattooed Liam Donnelly, he humiliated her, then left town. The hurt still lingers. But so does that crazy spark. And if they have to work together to set up her family winery's new tasting room by Christmas, why not work him out of her system with a sizzling affair? 

Thirteen years ago, Liam's boss at the winery offered him a bribe—leave his teenage daughter alone and get a full ride at college. Convinced he wasn't good enough for Sabrina, Liam took it. Now he's back, as wealthy as sin and with a heart as cold as the Oregon snow. Or so he keeps telling himself. Because the girl he vowed to stay away from has become the only woman he needs, and this Christmas could be just the beginning of a lifetime together…


Christmastime Cowboy is the sixteenth story in Maisey Yates' popular Copper Ridge series and my first. It's the fourth and final story for the Donnelly brothers and, though it stands on its own, there were times I found myself wishing I knew more about the characters and their backstory. For maximum enjoyment and understanding of the characters and relationships at the heart of this book, I would suggest reading the four in order: Slow Burn Cowboy, Down Home Cowboy, Wild Ride Cowboy, and Christmastime Cowboy. 

I'm a fan of second chance romances and second chances are at the heart of Liam and Sabrina's story. Their first chance - when Sabrina was 17 and Liam was 20 - never really got off the ground. Given time, it may have but they were both young and both dealing with family issues that impacted their decisions, even if they weren't fully aware of it at the time. Liam, in particular, had a difficult past that was at the heart of the way he viewed himself, relationships, and the people he never let get close. And, when he left abruptly, the emotional wounds Sabrina suffered followed her for the next thirteen years...until Liam returned to Copper Ridge and they were forced to confront all they had been...and hadn't been...and could possibly be.

This is not a fast-paced book, especially in the first half. The pace picks up in the second half but, still, it's not a quick read. There's a lot of emotion at play with individual, familial, and romantic issues to be sorted through and the author takes her time in doing so. Liam is not especially likeable (at least, not to me) in the beginning and I found Sabrina's thirteen-year grudge a bit annoying but as their stories began to unfold, I found myself warming up to both of them. Liam's story, in particular, broke my heart and had me pulling for a happy ending for him. I also enjoyed watching Sabrina come into her own. Their actions felt authentic along with their emotions and their sizzling desire and by the end, I happily embraced their HEA. Other characters help move things along, adding dimension to the story without turning the focus away from the main couple. 

All in all, Christmastime Cowboy was a satisfying story that has me eager to read the other Donnelly Brothers books and looking forward to the author's new Gold Valley series. Launching that series on February 20, 2018 will be Smooth-Talking Cowboy, featuring a key secondary character from Christmastime Cowboy. I've already added it to my book calendar. 

Do you enjoy heart-tugging, emotional Christmas romances?

Do you like family-centric romance series?

Have you read any of Maisey Yates' Copper Ridge books?

One randomly chosen person leaving a comment before 11:00 PM, December 6 will receive a copy of Christmastime Cowboy. (U.S. / Canada only)

Purchase Links

Amazon | Books-A-Million | Barnes & Noble

Connect with Maisey

Website | Facebook | Twitter

Today's Special - - Maggie Robinson

I'm delighted to welcome Maggie Robinson back to The Romance Dish. Maggie's new book, Redeeming Lord Ryder is the third book in her Cotswold Confidential historical romance series. It's another appealing blend of likable characters, humor, and heart-tugging emotion that Janga and I both thoroughly enjoyed. For more information about Redeeming Lord Ryder, be sure to read Janga's 5-star review.






PJ: Welcome back, Maggie! It’s always a pleasure to have you visit us. I’ve had such fun reading your Cotswold Confidential stories, eagerly anticipating each new release. Will you please tell our readers what they can expect from the newest book, Redeeming Lord Ryder?

Thank you so much for having me back! Redeeming Lord Ryder was a little challenging for me—there are lots of emotional challenges for my characters too. My heroine Nicola Mayfield has a form of selective muteness. She’s been injured in a horrific train accident and comes to Puddling-on-the-Wold, a sort of secret spa, to recover. The hero Jack Ryder is there too, to try to get over his guilt and depression for being responsible for a horrific train accident. You see where this is going, don’t you? Despite the serious nature of the obstacles, the book has humor and heart, and there is still banter, even though Nicola is writing and finger spelling instead of speaking. It was a joy to give Jack and Nicola their happy ending.



Janga: Did you get hungry writing this book? (I kept wanting to snack as I read it.)

LOL. I’m always hungry. The crumbs on my keyboard could keep me alive for days. One of the conditions of a stay in the Puddling rehabilitation resort is “everything in moderation.” For most of its Guests, they’ve overindulged in all sorts of things, so the diet on offer is bland and “nutritious” until they mend their wicked ways. Consequently, poor Jack, who hasn’t been exactly forthcoming on why he’s checked himself in, is nearly starved to death, while Nicola is cosseted and built up. Once Jack discovers her pantry, the course of true love is paved with peaches.


PJ: Speaking of eating, do you have a favorite holiday treat you enjoy making…or eating?  

I used to be a big “from-scratch” cook. I made jam and syrup and pickles with my four kids, but since my husband started watching the Food Network, he’s taken over in the kitchen and I am grateful for it. I still do holidays though. I can recommend my Idiot Dip, which my kids look forward to when they come home. One block of cheap yellow cheese (paper removed please), one can of chili with beans. Layer in microwave-proof dish and heat up for about 9 minutes. Stir. Serve with Cool Ranch Doritos. I’m sure it’s very bad for you, which makes it delicious. You can add another can of chili or some salsa if you want, but why gild the lily?

Janga: Did you edit anything out of this book that you found difficult to cut?

You know, most of the time I’ve been so lucky—I’ve never had to cut chapters or long scenes or do a major re-write, except for three books, Margaret Rowe’s Tempting Eden (had to make it more erotic!!!), Mistress by Midnight (had to kill the flashbacks, sniff), and The Unsuitable Secretary (where I had kitchen-sinked it and had to kill the whole second half of the book!). My Kensington editor has been wonderful and I don’t cringe when I get the revision notes.

PJ: Christmas is only a few weeks away. Does your family have any special holiday traditions?

We try to celebrate on Boxing Day, so the married kids and grandchildren have plenty of time to spend with their in-laws on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Whatever day gets picked, everyone stays in matching pajamas (showers are optional), champagne is popped at breakfast, and “cocktail party” food is rolled out of the kitchen at regular intervals (hello, Idiot Dip). The grandchildren play Wii and Xbox, lots of Legos are stepped on, and some sledding down our hill might be involved.

Janga: Are you planning more Cotswold Confidential books?

I have half of book 4 written, but I’ve been lured away by a super-secret-project. Fingers crossed. It’s a departure for me that I’m very excited about, but I don’t want to jinx it.








Rapid Fire Q&A:
Homebody or World traveler?

Both. When I’m home, I’m barefoot in a bathing suit and relaxed. I love to garden in the summer and sit on the dock in the sun (we live on a lake). But my husband and I travel several times a year. We’re going on a cruise in January and then spending some time in New Orleans. Let the good times roll.

Real or Artificial Christmas Tree?

Several years ago, we bought a pre-lit artificial tree that I’ve actually fallen in love with. No more cursing, tangled strings of lights, or pouring tree water on the wood floor instead of in the tree stand. I put fresh pine boughs on the mantel and in vases to keep that nature vibe.

Favorite holiday song?

Silent Night

Snowy cold or tropical beach?

Oh, we live in Maine. I’ve had enough of snowy cold. We usually try to get away for a little bit to warmer climes somewhere between January and April. I’ve loved renting cottages in England in early spring (which is much earlier than here) and exploring the countryside.

Eggnog: yes or no?

Yes, with or without alcohol. And fruitcake too! I’m very old-fashioned. ;)

Book you’re currently reading?

I’ve downloaded the Ruth Galloway Norfolk coast-set contemporary mystery series by Elly Griffiths, and am now on Book 3, The House at Sea’s End. Ruth is a forensic archaeologist who keeps getting mixed up in murders, and is a very untraditional heroine.

PJ: Where can readers find you online?

Website: www.maggierobinson.net
Facebook: (personal, where I post pictures of my adorable grandchildren!) https://www.facebook.com/maggie.robinson.165
Facebook: author page https://www.facebook.com/MaggieRobinsonBooks/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MaggieLRobinson

PJ: Would you like to add anything else?

Please sign up for my occasional newsletter! http://maggierobinson.us4.list-manage2.com/subscribe?u=ce659a0c7e53bf8ef7cd81df1&id=991d2d8103 I’m kicking off January with a great contest. 

And today I’ll give away a download or print copy of the first book in the Cotswold Confidential series, Schooling the Viscount (an Amazon best romance of the month), or any book from my backlist. 

Where would you like to go to “get away from it all?” All I can say is that there’d better be good food, LOL.

Review - - Redeeming Lord Ryder

Redeeming Lord Ryder

By Maggie Robinson

Publisher: Kensington / Lyrical Press

Release Date: November 21, 2017

Reviewed by Janga

 

Nicola Mayfield is returning from a visit with her sister in London when she is injured in a railway accident that leaves her mute. Her parents spend seven months taking her from physician to physician, but none of their remedies, from sticking pins in her tongue to threatening to cut her hair, her one vanity, succeed. Finally, in desperation, they send her to Puddling-on-the-Wold, a nineteenth-century rehabilitation center. Two months into her stay there, she still has no voice. However, she has found a degree of contentment. She misses her family, but she is happy not to feel the weight of their concern. She has no regrets about her broken betrothal, a matter based more on practicality than passion. She is free of most of the restrictions placed upon the village’s guests, she has a housekeeper who treats her kindly and feeds her well, and she finds solace in her music. A life of solitary independence does not seem too bad.

Lord Jonathan Haskell Ryder, known as Jack to family and friends, is the newest resident of Puddling-on-the-Wold. A businessman baron of genius and entrepreneurial spirit, he has amassed a great fortune and acquired an enviable reputation, but his achievements mean little when a careless moment at a foundry he owns leads to an industrial accident that causes a train wreck and leaves two people dead. Jack was not responsible for the accident, and he settles generous amounts on the survivors and the families of the dead. Regardless, he is overcome by guilt and depression and unable to function in the world that had energized him. On his own initiative, he has come to the famous village for help.

Jack and Nicola meet one cold December day when Nicola, on her daily walk, slips on the ice and falls. Jack comes to her rescue, and the two strike up a friendship that soon becomes something warmer. But both see themselves as unfit for a relationship. It will take more slips—not all of them on the ice—and some tough love from Nicola to see this likable pair reach their HEA.

This is the third book in Maggie Robinson’s Cotswold Confidential series, after Schooling the Viscount and Seducing Mr. Sykes, and I am delighted to say that the series started strong and has gotten better with each book. Jack and Nicola are appealing characters who easily win the reader’s affection. They also sustain the reader’s interest, perhaps a more difficult feat. They have real problems, but they are more than their problems. Nicola’s muteness renders her vulnerable, but it does not diminish her quiet intelligence or subtle strength. Jack’s charm is more obvious and his intellect more extraordinary, but his appeal rests on less showy qualities as well, such as his sense of humor and his honor.

One of the strengths of this late-Victorian-set series has been the skill with which Robinson captures the way industrialization affected all areas of life and the growing sense that progress was not delivering all it had promised. That she manages to do this in books bright with laughter makes the series truly remarkable. Much of the laughter is attributable to the community and its residents who, for the most part, are devoted to preserving their livelihood and benevolently disposed toward their guests. I am particularly fond of Dr. Oakley, Ham Ross, and Moll the dog.

If you like historical romance that moves beyond the conventional settings of Regency ballroom or country house party, if you appreciate stories that make you laugh and provide food for thought, I highly recommend Redeeming Lord Ryder. I loved it, and I am hoping for more Puddling-on-the-Wold stories.  

Coming Attractions

It's December, the last month of 2017. How in the world did that happen? Weren't we just celebrating New Year's Eve? It's been a good year for books; a good year for fun here at The Romance Dish. We hope we've entertained and enlightened you with our book reviews, guest author posts, interviews, and more. We hope you'll join us as we wind down the weeks to the end of this year and welcome in 2018 with great new books, blog tours, guest authors, and surprise giveaways. Happy December!

We launch this month on Monday, December 4 when Maggie Robinson joins us for a Q&A about her new book Redeeming Lord Ryder. This third book in her Cotswold Confidential historical romance series is an absolute delight!







Stop by Wednesday, December 6 to welcome Tawny Weber and the Harlequin Winter Holiday Traditions (+ Reads) Blog Tour. Tawny's newest Poseidon team/Navy SEAL novel, Call to Redemption was released October 31. 







Update: Tawny Weber will be unable to join us December 6. Please stop by to read an excerpt from Gena Showalter's new contemporary romance, Can't Let Go. 

I'll be sharing my thoughts about Victoria Alexander's newest book, The Lady Travelers Guide to Larceny with a Dashing Stranger. when the TLC blog tour stops her on Thursday, December 7. This second book in Alexander's Lady Travelers series takes readers to Venice, Italy for a new romantic adventure.








Friday, December 8 brings Berkley Bookmas to The Romance Dish. You'll want to be here for an excerpt from Marry in Scandal, Anne Gracie's highly anticipated second book in her Marriage of Convenience series. The book will be released April 3, 2018.





Join us for all this and more during the merry month of December!

Do you celebrate any of the December holidays?

Have you started decorating?

What books are you looking forward to this month?

One randomly chosen person leaving a comment on today's post will receive a Kindle copy of Redeeming Lord Ryder. 

One randomly chosen person leaving a comment on today's post will receive a Kindle copy of Tawny Weber's Call to Redemption.

Review - - A Good Day to Marry a Duke

A Good Day to Marry a Duke

By Betina Krahn

Publisher: Kensington/Zebra

Release Date: November 28, 2017

Reviewed by Janga

  

Daisy Bumgarten was pleased with herself when she rode astride, jumped six fences, and led the pack at the Bellington Hunt, but she is humiliated and angry when she realizes her triumph means social disaster for her mother and sisters. Mrs. John Jacob Astor herself has declared that “that Bumgarten tart,” Nevada silver heiress though she be, is not to be welcomed in New York society. Two years later, Daisy, with a bit of Paris polish, an enviable Worth wardrobe, and the sponsorship of the Countess of Kew, has joined the “dollar princesses” invading London in search of a titled husband. The high-spirited Daisy believes that Arthur Graham, Duke of Meridian, may be just the one she needs to force Mrs. Astor to stifle her objections to the Bumgartens.

Lord Ashton Graham, younger brother of the Duke of Meridian, is quite taken with Daisy’s spirit and with her curves when they meet after he has eavesdropped on a scolding she receives from the countess. When his pompous relatives approach him with their plan that he employ his well-practiced rakish skills to seduce the American heiress and thereby prevent her from interfering with their plans for the duke, he cannot refuse. Not only does he need the funds with which they bribe him, but he is also genuinely fond of his bookish older brother and doesn’t like the idea of Arthur’s being married for his title.

When the Graham family gives Daisy two weeks to prove that she is descended from royal blood, she and Ashton are thrown in each other’s company as they approach the task of researching Daisy’s heritage with conflicting goals. In addition to a mutual attraction that grows more intense with each meeting, the two discover how much they have in common. But when Arthur becomes interested in Daisy too, the situation become complicated, particularly with the scheming relatives still on the scene. Which brother will claim Daisy’s heart? Which one will claim her hand?

It has been a long time—eight years, I believe—since readers have had a historical romance from Betina Krahn. A Good Day to Marry a Duke introduces her Sin and Sensibility trilogy with wit and a light-hearted appeal that should prompt many readers to make this a must-read series. I suspect that response to this book will be significantly determined by how much readers like Daisy. I’m a fan of the nonconforming heroine and of the American in London trope, so I loved her. Her name made me think of another American heroine who clashed with European culture, Henry James’s Daisy Miller. The glove incident in the beginning made me remember one of my favorite fictional rebels, Louisa May Alcott’s Jo March, and I saw traces of Molly Brown in Daisy’s personality. Ashton, a perfect blend of charm, sexiness, and depth, is sure to steal hearts. The villains are rather one-dimensional, but Arthur is a dear, Daisy’s sisters are promising, and Reynard Boulton, “the Fox” is intriguing. And I thought it a delightful coincidence that the week this book was released also saw the engagement announcement of a great-great grandson of one of those “dollar princesses” to an American actress.

If you like historical romance that sparkles with laughter and charm, I recommend this one. If you like it as much as I did, you will be pleased to note that Frankie Bumgarten’s book, The Girl with the Sweetest Secret, will be released late next year.