To Marry a British Lord

O'Brien, who has developed a following with her time-travel romances (Ashton's Bride, Once Upon a Rose, Maiden Voyage) offers her first straight historical romance, set in Victorian England. After losing her family and fortune in the Civil War, American Constance Lloyd moves to England to work as a governess and soon finds herself engaged to a ""spare"" son of a duke, although she is in love with his best friend, Welsh outsider and man of science (and conscience) Joseph Smith. The author has captured the mood of the period and included some interesting interactions with real historical characters. Although there are some witty scenes between Constance and Joseph, they are separated for most of the book, and their feelings are alluded to rather than enacted. In the end, O'Brien's latest appeals more to the head than the heart. (Oct.)