Lady Amelia’s Mess and a Half

Grace follows Miss Hillary Schools a Scoundrel with a twisty, delightful Regency romance. Amelia, Lady Audley, and Jake Hillary fought their feelings for one another for years while she was married to his best friend. Now widowed, she is free to take a lover, but Jake has other intentions: marriage. Distracting from the main story is Amelia’s concern that associating with her dearest friend, the outrageous Lady Kennell, could be devastating to her reputation and her chances with Jake. Faced with the choice between love and loyalty, Amelia is rocked by yet another shocking discovery that could keep her and Jake apart forever. The story is fresh and romantic, but the focus is somewhat scattered, and the dialogue never quite reaches the snappy wit of the first book. That’s a high bar, though, and this installment is still charming, sensual, and altogether enjoyable. Agent: Nephele Tempest, the Knight Agency. (June)