Ripe for Seduction

A frivolous wager among a rakish group of friends, the League of Second Sons, in 1785 London over who can bed Lady Olivia Carlow quickly turns into a dangerous game. Roland Devere awakens from the previous night’s carousing to discover that the lady in question has accepted his drunken marriage proposal. Olivia’s father, Philip, the earl of Arlington, has been pressuring her to rejoin society after her first marriage ended in scandal. To get out from under his thumb, she forces Roland into a sham betrothal, which she plans to end as a free woman. Olivia doesn’t count, however, on Roland’s formidable powers of seduction. His sister, Margo, meanwhile, is playing bedroom games of her own with Olivia’s father, who would like to make their relationship permanent. Carr is sure to balance her characters’ roguish antics with genuine heart, making the double love story a delightful and erotic page-turner. Agent: Linda Chester, Linda Chester and Associates Literary Agency. (Dec.)