cover image The Angel in My Arms

The Angel in My Arms

Stefanie Sloane. Ballantine, $7.99 mass market (304p) ISBN 978-0-345-51740-1

Sloane follows The Devil in Disguise with another delightful Regency Rogues novel. Marcus MacInnes, the earl of Weston and a member of an elite spy organization called the Young Corinthians, is not happy when an injury forces him to accept a low-key assignment in a remote country town. There he meets Sarah Elizabeth Tisdale, a clumsy, softhearted "force to be reckoned with" who wears boys' clothing and isn't afraid to pursue a man she wants. As Marcus investigates a complex crime involving stolen emeralds and Napoleon, he tries to resist falling in love with both Sarah and the town that rejected him years before. Sarah's ridiculous escapades and cameos by Marcus's sarcastic valet and the formidable Lady Tisdale deliver humor, while a series of murders add suspense. Loyal readers who suspend disbelief will be intrigued by the mystery and charmed by the happy ending. (June)