Ten Kisses to Scandal

In this second Misadventures in Matchmaking Regency (after How to Forget a Duke), youngest sister Briar Bourne’s attempt to pair up the elite results in a folly that threatens the family matchmaking business. Luckily, Nicholas Prescott, the Earl of Edgemont, is so desperate to secure matches for his cousins—one of whom is Briar’s best friend—that he’s willing to overlook Briar’s little snafu. When Briar accepts a bet to find a match for the roguish Nicholas, she doesn’t realize she may be the best candidate. Briar’s vivid imagination tempts Nicholas as much as her beautiful face, and the more they spar, the more their attraction increases. Briar’s family is very protective, and they feel Nicholas’s reputation makes him unsuitable for Briar, but business is business, so the two end up spending a lot of time together. Nicholas hopes a successful match for his heartbroken cousin will ease his guilt over a secret Nicholas has been keeping, but as he persists in distracting Briar, readers know who will get matched up first. Lorret has created a delicious world filled with complex, charming characters. A touch of passion and some comic relief make this a well-blended novel that includes an alluring setup for the next in the series. Agent: Stefanie Lieberman, Janklow & Nesbit. (Dec.)