A Grand Deception

In this third entry of her Gentlemen of Worth Regency series (after Perfectly Flawed), Marks creates a middling plot with uninspired characters. Lady Muriel's greatest joy comes from indulging her passion for Latin and academic study. However, her bluestocking interests are unacceptable to society, so she pretends to trade in her scholarly pursuits for matrimonial ones while secretly visiting her tutor. Sherwin, the new earl of Amhurst, was Muriel's childhood friend and shared her love of learning; when he appears on the Marriage Mart, Muriel is shocked and greets him with disdain. Sherwin, actually a puppet to his mother's whims and dictates, is surprised to receive such an unpleasant welcome from Muriel. After a few days, they resolve to make amends, but a rumor linking their names spreads through town and tests Muriel's faith in Sherwin's honor. Between Sherwin's spinelessness and Muriel's unjustified wrath, these protagonists leave much to be desired. (Apr.)