The Luckiest Lady in London

Thomas (Tempting the Bride) emphasizes the pitfalls of the aristocratic marriage bargaining game in Victorian England with this stellar trilogy launch. Felix Rivendale, Lord Wrenworth, is often called the Ideal Gentleman for his looks, wealth, and manners. He’s far above the reach of Louisa Cantwell, who must find a wealthy husband to help provide for her mother and four sisters. They meet at a ball and Felix is intrigued when Louisa unintentionally reveals her “infatuation” with him—and then just as clearly shuts it off. Their encounters, mostly carefully orchestrated by Felix, are full of sparkling wit and sensuous innuendo. While Louisa believes that she is falling in love with Felix, she knows better than to trust him, as he does nothing without a self-serving purpose. Thomas’s characters are intelligent and multidimensional, and each scene is expertly crafted and rich in details. Readers will be immersed in the story from the very first page until the breathtaking conclusion. Agent: Kristin Nelson, Nelson Literary Agency. (Nov.)