Forever Your Earl

Leigh’s Wicked Quills of London series launch, set in class-conscious 1816 London, confidently pairs an accomplished commoner and a playboy aristocrat as wonderfully appealing soul mates. Eleanor Hawke is a brilliant writer and a savvy entrepreneur who overcame a difficult childhood to become publisher of a gossipy tabloid, the Hawk’s Eye. One of her paper’s favorite subjects, the notorious womanizer Daniel Balfour, Earl of Ashford, proposes that Eleanor accompany him around town to prove that not everything reported about him is true. After a visit to a gambling den, a steamy masquerade ball, and a wildly thrilling carriage race, the two are in love, despite the problem of their different classes. Eleanor realizes that Daniel is not just another idle aristocrat and that her life has lacked excitement; Daniel discovers that Eleanor inspires him. Smart women, clever repartee, an inventive strip limerick game, and searing love scenes make this historical simply irresistible. Leigh, who also writes as Zoë Archer (the Nemesis, Unlimited series), will win readers’ hearts and minds with this opposites-attract tale that sets up a very promising series. Agent: Kevan Lyon, Marsal Lyon Literary Agency. (Oct.)