The Wrong Marquess

Lorret’s sparkling third Mating Habits of Scoundrels historical romance (after My Kind of Earl) finds polyphobic Elodie “Ellie” Parrish confused and intrigued by “London’s most elusive bachelor.” Ellie has had her cap set on George Nethersole since they were children, but he constantly procrastinates on committing to her. Brandon Stredwick, Marquess of Hullworth, is used to marriage-minded women contriving ridiculous ways to fling themselves at him, so when Ellie first stumbles into him at a party, then befriends his sister, Meg, he assumes she’s just the same. Brandon is determined to protect Meg, who’s been hurt by so-called friends using her to get to Brandon in the past, but soon realizes he’s misjudged the alluring Ellie. Mistaking physical attraction for sickness, Ellie prefers to avoid Brandon—but she can’t resist his offer to provide material for the book on courtship she’s coauthoring with her friends. As they spend time together, her feelings for Brandon change, but despite their intense chemistry and George’s continued neglect, Ellie struggles to let go of her long-held dream of being George’s wife. Her refusal to see George for who he is grows frustrating, but the swoon-worthy Brandon more than makes up for this shortcoming. Readers will be eager for the next installment. [em]Agent: Stefanie Lieberman, Janklow & Nesbit Assoc. (July) [/em]