The Many Sins of Lord Cameron

Ashley's steamy third Highland Pleasures novel (after 2010's Lady Isabella's Scandalous Marriage) matches up widow Ainsley Douglas, an attendant to Queen Victoria who lives her life in gray to match the queen's perpetual mourning, and horse-mad widower Lord Cameron Mackenzie, scarred emotionally and physically by his insane wife. The queen sends Ainsley to the duke of Kilmorgan's estate to retrieve damaging letters being used for blackmail. There Ainsley encounters Lord Cameron, the duke's brother, with whom she shared an attraction years before. As they travel from the Highlands to the French Riviera, Ainsley and Cameron find that mutual passion softens his burdens. While the story offers no surprises, readers will love Ainsley, a strong, independent, cake-loving character who takes the time to consider her options rather than just throwing caution to the wind and following Cameron when he arrogantly beckons. (Aug.)