Indiscreet

Although Balogh's (Heartless) seamless, fairy-tale Regency lacks some of the complexity and period detail of her previous books, it nonetheless engages the reader with sharply drawn, likable characters. Lady Catherine Winsmore, a heroine of quiet courage, refused a forced marriage when rape left her with an illegitimate child. Exiled by her family, she poses as a young widow, Mrs. Catherine Winters. An innocent smile brings the unwelcome advances of another rake, the Viscount Rawleigh, Rex Adams. Rather than suffer from new scandal she accepts a loveless marriage to Rex. There are few twists or real subplots, and Catherine's problems aren't so much resolved as magically waved away by Rex. But what makes this book touching is its bittersweet portrayal of a victim wronged by her attacker and by society, and the compassion and trust that eventually redeem two lives. (Jan.)