When You Wish Upon a Rogue

A woman’s dream of marrying for love dies beneath her father’s debt in the sparkling finale of Bennett’s Debutante Diaries Regency series (after The Duke Is but a Dream). A marriage of convenience is an ironic fate to befall Sophie Kendall, the chairperson of Debutante’s Underground, a secret society that encourages women to advocate for themselves. But Sophie makes a match with the wealthy Lord Singleton to save her family from destitution. Sleep evades Henry Reese, Earl of Warshire, until he happens upon Sophie breaking in to his vacant London storefront. Sophie instantly recognizes the signs of insomnia and insists on brewing him an herbal remedy—but it’s her calming presence that lulls Reese off to dreamland. Astounded, Reese offers a deal: Sophie may use his building to hold Debutante Underground meetings in exchange for spending one night a week with him to help him rest. Sophie agrees and imposes a “no touching” rule. But their weekly visits soon give way to long talks and, as they fall in love, creative, sensual work-arounds to the rule. Sophie’s sweetness and compassion shine and series fans will be thrilled to witness her turn in the spotlight. This silky-smooth series ender expertly tugs at the heartstrings. Agent: Helen Breitwieser, Cornerstone Literary. (June)