How the Marquess Was Won

Long adds a sixth volume to her Pennyroyal Green series I Kissed an Earl, etc.) with this run-of-the-mill historical romance. Julian Spenser, marquess Dryden, sets trends that the rest of England hurries to follow, but he meets his match in schoolteacher Phoebe Vale. Julian plans to wed someone else, but he’s so drawn to Phoebe that he asks her to be his mistress. Despite their mutual attraction, she refuses, but others take note of Julian’s interest in Phoebe, and men are soon vying for her attention as part of a series of cruel bets. Snappy, playful banter between Phoebe and Julian will appeal to Regency fans, but despite an opening scene of gunplay, initially slow pacing will frustrate those in search of a livelier tale. Agent: The Axelrod Agency. (Jan.)