Puck and Prejudice

Regency manners collide with modern sensibilities in this cute time-travel sports romance from Riley (Virgin Territory). Spinster Lizzy Wooddash finds it easy to believe pro hockey goalie Tuck Taylor’s claim that he’s from the future after he emerges from the local cow pond dressed in unusual clothing and takes her picture with a strange device. Tuck doesn’t know why or how he ended up in 1812, but he’s determined to get back to his sister in modern times. Lizzy’s eager to help—particularly when her dear friend, Jane Austen, proposes a plan that could save Lizzy from ever being forced into an unwanted marriage. Lizzy and Tuck will enter into a purely platonic marriage of convenience. Then, when Tuck disappears back to the future, Lizzy will be granted all the freedom that Regency society affords to widows. It’s a solid scheme until mutual attraction makes both parties wish for more time together. Readers will have no trouble rooting for Riley’s charming leads to make it work across time and space. The conceit that spirited Lizzy inspires Jane Austen to write the character of Elizabeth Bennett in Pride and Prejudice adds an extra layer of fun. This unexpected take on familiar tropes will satisfy Regency and contemporary fans alike. (Nov.)