The final entry in Royal's Restoration-era trilogy (Violet; Lily) features the third Ashcroft sister, Rose, who has set her sights on landing a titled gentleman. To that end, she prevails upon her mother to bring her to court, where she quickly becomes a hit with the courtiers. Whenever Rose's forwardness gets her into trouble, family friend Christopher "Kit" Martyn steps in to help. Kit, an architect, is struggling to complete three daunting commissions for the king; if he does so, he'll win the post of Deputy Surveyor, which could lead to a knighthood. He quickly falls for Rose, but though she's wildly attracted to him as well, she refuses to consider him because he's a commoner. As Rose kisses her way around the royal court, Kit tries to convince her that he's the only man for her. The breezy energy that usually enlivens Royal's books is lacking here, largely because Rose comes off as shallow and unsympathetic. Royal throws in a transparent mystery regarding some accidents on Kit's building projects, but it does little to increase the book's tension. Diehard fans of Royal's books will complete the trilogy, poor word-of-mouth notwithstanding, but this pallid offering is unlikely to impress those new to her work. (Oct. 7)
