Sprightly and fresh, London's second Scottish Regency (after Highlander Unbound
) stars another member of the Lockhart clan engaged in the family's ongoing quest to steal back an ancient solid gold "beastie" to repair their bare-as-bone finances. Grif Lockhart, pretending to be an earl, sets off for London to find the treasure. Since he's more socially skilled in ballrooms and drawing rooms than his older brother (who failed to regain the beastie but returned with a wife in the previous volume), Grif's an instant hit among all the young ladies—except intelligent Anna Addison, who quickly uncovers Grif's false identity, his reason for being in London and the beastie's location. Holding the treasure hostage, Anne demands Grif's help in teaching her to make another man fall in love with her. But such dangerous lessons in flirtation lead both Grif and Anna to wonder whether their growing intimacy is merely schoolwork or the blooming of genuine emotion. Quick with humor and unafraid to send its characters tumbling headlong down the wrong path, this romance should please readers thirsting for a droll, light read. As a boon for those new to the series, this tale nicely stands alone, even as it cleverly whets the appetite for the unlucky-in-treasure but lucky-in-love Lockharts' next adventure. Agent, Meredith Bernstein. (Feb.)
