The Bargain Bride

This well-constructed Regency features smoldering love scenes and chapter headers from an imaginary account of arranged marriages that add a touch of charm to the entertainment. Viscount Kendall “West” Westmoreland and Persephone “Penny” Goldthwaite finally and reluctantly wed after a 13-year engagement engineered by Penny's family. When West is delayed while traveling, Penny must take up all the duties of a newly minted viscountess; protect West's careless wastrel brother from her own swindling stepbrother; fend off West's jealous and wealthy former lover and plan a grand ball even as she wonders whether her husband will return home in time to attend. Metzger (The Wicked Ways of a True Hero ) takes some interesting chances with her story, populating it with well-drawn and often idiosyncratic characters and keeping it sweet without being sappy. (Nov.)