Beguiled

If you can believe that an 18th-century Scottish noblewoman is a master of ancient Chinese martial art, then nothing need prevent you from enjoying this well-crafted historical romance from Lamb (Betrayed). Second in the Clan MacKenzie Trilogy, this book focuses on Agnes, the eldest of Lachlan MacKenzie's three illegitimate daughters. In a reversal of all the romantic cliches of male derring-do, Agnes saves the life of the hero, Edward Napier. Warriorlike, she protects Napier and his two children from endless plots while staving him off with her sharp tongue. If it sags a bit in the middle, this witty book still offers a fresh twist for fans of Lamb's romances. (May)