The MacGregor’s Lady

Burrowes closes out her Victorian-era MacGregor series (The Bridegroom Wore Plaid, Once Upon a Tartan) in fine style, tickling fans with the reappearance of some old friends from her other series. After years in Canada, Asher MacGregor has finally returned to Scotland and his rightful position as Earl of Balfour. Duty requires him to take a wife and secure the succession, but his secret heartbreak leaves him indifferent until he is tasked with introducing an alluring, independent-minded American heiress to society. Miss Hannah Cooper is determined to avoid marriage—her wicked stepfather has been trying to maneuver his way into her money through potential husbands for several years—but with Asher’s love, there just might be a way to resolve the ocean of obligations that separates them. Burrowes has a knack for giving fresh twists to genre tropes and developing them in unexpected and delightful directions. This novel is a perfect example of her consistently excellent writing, deep and layered stories, and intelligent and compassionate characters. Agent: Steve Axelrod, Axelrod Literary Agency. (Feb.)