cover image Love Me Forever

Love Me Forever

Johanna Lindsey. William Morrow & Co Inc, $22 (0pp) ISBN 978-0-688-14286-5

Successfully making the transition to hardcover, bestselling historical romance writer Lindsey has not abandoned the winning formula of her signature paperback bestsellers (Surrender My Love, etc.). This tale, set in 19th-century England and Scotland, is a lighthearted romp full of passion and intrigue. English heiress Kimberly Richards needs a husband fast in order to escape her father's tyranny. While staying with the Duke and Duchess of Wrothston, she meets many suitable candidates, but it is the reckless Lachlan, the Laird of Clan MacGregor, who steals her heart. The two seem ideally suited (financially as well as romantically: Lachlan needs an heiress to save his clan from poverty), but they clash from the first. He thinks she's a shrew with a vicious tongue; she thinks he's an inconsiderate boor. Despite their heated confrontations, the two become lovers and decide to marry-but Kimberly changes her mind when she discovers that Lachlan is obsessed with the duchess. The ensuing battle of wills between the squabbling lovers offers giddy entertainment, until Lachlan is framed for theft; then the duo must set out to catch the real culprit so that they can get married at last. Major ad/promo; author tour. (Oct.)