Her Lessons in Persuasion

An independent lady and an ambitious barrister fake a courtship in the fresh, memorable introduction to the School for Scoundrels Victorian series from Frampton (Hazards of Dukes). In six months, science-minded Lady Wilhelmina Bettesford will gain access to her inheritance and retreat from society to live peacefully with her aunt and dog—that is, if her new, younger stepmother doesn’t succeed in marrying her off first. But before she can come up with a plan to evade the marriage market, her stepmother recruits sexy Bram Townsend to fake an interest in Wilhelmina, believing it will incite the interest of more suitable (titled) suitors and not realizing Bram and Mina have already met and taken a liking to each other. Both have sworn off marriage and decide to use the ruse to their advantage: Mina can use Bram’s suit as an excuse to stay single while Bram—whose dreams of becoming a judge—takes the opportunity to meet influential people. Their inevitable real romance is deepened by their mutual innocence, openness, and respect for one another, igniting a burning passion. The result is a thoroughly satisfying take on the fake relationship trope. Readers will be eager for more. Agent: Louise Fury, Bent Agency. (Jan.)