An Unexpected Gentleman

Johnson returns to her Scottish Society setting (following June 2011’s Nearly a Lady) to delight readers once again with gentle wit, graceful writing, and a sensible and spirited heroine. Miss Adelaide Ward resigns herself to accepting an imminent marriage proposal from tedious, condescending Sir Robert Maxwell, whose substantial income will provide for her impoverished family. Then she’s tricked into public compromise by a kiss from Sir Robert’s insolent but charming bastard half-brother, Mr. Connor Brice, a newly released prisoner. Refusing to be a mere pawn in the brothers’ feud, Adelaide demands history and answers from both men and finally chooses Connor, whose criminal history is tempered by his charm, good looks, and upfront financial generosity. Johnson wisely makes this the beginning of the story, not the end, and readers will cheer as Adelaide and Connor slowly turn their practical arrangement into a true romance. (Dec.)