A passionate tale peopled with appealing characters, D'Allesandro's newest Regency-era romance (following Whirlwind Wedding) is fresh, funny and loaded with charm. When Samantha Briggeham is mistakenly abducted by the Bride Thief (aka Eric Landsdowne, the Earl of Wesley), she comes away fascinated by the enigmatic man who has made it his mission to rescue women from arranged marriages. The eldest of three beautiful, married sisters, bookish Sammie has consigned herself to spinsterhood and is content to explore nature and conduct scientific experiments with her 16-year-old brother, Hubert. At least, that's what she tries to convince herself. She still harbors feelings for the Bride Thief, and she is intrigued by the Earl of Wesley as well, little realizing they are one and the same. Drawn to the earl, Sammie decides to engage in a romantic liaison with him; but when they are discovered, the earl must do the right thing and propose. Sammie, however, is torn between her desire for the earl and her resolve to remain independent. Will the Bride Thief—now hunted by rapidly growing numbers of irate fathers whose daughters are missing—attempt one more abduction to free the woman he loves from a marriage she may loathe? Though the plot takes few uncharted turns, this entertaining romp is on par with some of the best works from seasoned authors like Julia Quinn and Stephanie Laurens. (Apr. 2)
