A Wicked Way to Win an Earl

Regency-era romance feels new and bright in Bradley’s delightful debut. Delia Somerset is en route to a house party in Kent when her carriage is damaged. She sets off through the mud in search of assistance, only to find a gentleman and a village maid getting ready to enjoy some quality time against a convenient tree. Inevitably, he’s her soon-to-be host, Alexander Sutherland, Lord Carlisle. After they enjoy a lively tête-à-tête on fornication against trees, Alec successfully delivers Delia and her sister to his home to visit with his sisters. The two families have a complicated history, as Delia’s upper-class mother jilted Alec’s father in favor of running away (and enjoying a lovely life) with a country squire. Despite the old scandal that now hovers over Delia’s generation, Alec and Delia’s attraction soon overcomes any reservations they might have had about being together. Bradley’s quick wit and humor keep the story flowing smoothly. Readers will devour this passionate romance as eagerly as Alec and Delia devour each other when their flirtations lead at last to the bedroom. Alec’s siblings and Delia’s sisters will surely make the Sutherland Scandals series a pleasure to follow. Agent: Marlene Stringer, Stringer Literary Agency. (Nov.)