Lady Claire Is All That

Rodale’s witty, romantic third Keeping Up with the Cavendishes novel (after Chasing Lady Amelia) spices up Regency England with the arrival of Lady Claire Cavendish, a nerdy and forthright American. Claire’s brother, James, has unexpectedly inherited a dukedom, and his whole family is uprooted and brought to London. The Duchess of Durham, aunt to the Cavendish brood, despairs of Claire and her sisters finding suitable marriages, as Claire’s greatest hope is that she will be introduced to gentlemen who share her fondness for mathematical theories. Then Claire attracts the interest of the very eligible and handsome Lord Fox. Unbeknownst to her, Fox is pursuing her to win a bet that he can change her from a bluestocking into a socialite. But his encounters with Claire genuinely delight him, and soon Fox is the one who’s transformed. Romance readers weary of insta-love stories will glory in the slow, eminently believable development of physical and emotional intimacy between Claire and Fox. Rodale expertly blends sensuality and genuine admiration in this superb romance. (Jan.)