Say You’ll Be My Lady

A gentlemanly former boxer meets his match in a stubborn socialite in Pembrooke’s diverting second Unconventional Ladies of Mayfair romance (after Not the Kind of Earl You Mary). Lady Serena Wynter is dedicated to righting injustices through her social club. Though at 23 she’s given up hopes of matrimony and motherhood, she’s keen to strike up a dalliance with her handsome, sweet-natured friend Charles Townshend. Charles is attracted to beautiful, fiercely independent Serena, but declines her advances, fearing their connection will damage her reputation due to their class differences and his unsavory family history. His concern is heightened when Serena takes in Jem, a homeless boy, who soon becomes attached to them both—and whose presence in their lives could spark malicious gossip. But headstrong Serena will not be deterred from her quest to find Jem a forever family—or from her mission to seduce Charles. Pembrooke fills this emotional tale with sparkling dialogue and well-drawn characters working to balance reason and desire. Regency romance fans will delight at Pembrooke’s strong female protagonist who rises above societal limitations and expectations. Agent: Rebecca Strauss, DeFiore and Co. (Feb.)