Only a Kiss

The sixth entry in Balogh’s Survivors’ Club series (after Only a Promise) gives Imogen Hayes, Lady Barclay, her highly anticipated story. Imogen is treated as an equal by the war-scarred male members of the Survivors’ Club, a group of friends recovering from service in the Napoleonic Wars. Her favorite time of year is the three weeks they all spend together every spring. Outside of this time, Imogen lives isolated in Cornwall, a courtesy guest on the estate that would have been her husband’s, a spy who was tortured in front of her. When the new Lord Hardford arrives on a whim to inspect his inheritance, he is unexpectedly drawn to the beautiful widow and her secrets. A plot involving local smugglers throws Imogen and Hardford together, forcing Imogen to face her demons. Although Hardford’s arrogance and aggressive seduction sometimes come across as charmless, this is a satisfying series entry from an author who delivers graceful writing and emotional depth. Agent: Maria Carvainis, Maria Carvainis Agency. (Sept.)