Never Kiss a Rake

Stuart takes a break from paranormals and romantic thrillers (Risk the Night) to launch a historical romance series about three sisters unexpectedly orphaned and left destitute. In 1869 London, Miss Bryony Russell, the eldest sister, applies pseudonymously for the position of housekeeper for the household of Adrian Bruton, Earl of Kilmartyn, her father’s former business partner and the man she believes may be responsible for her father’s financial ruin and suspicious death. While the pampered Cecily, Lady Kilmartyn, refuses “Mrs. Greaves” because she bears some smallpox scars on her face, Adrian decides that Mrs. Greaves is the perfect person to revamp his shambles of a household. As Bryony searches for clues to Adrian’s perfidy, she falls victim to his immense charm. Bemused by the estrangement between Adrian and his faithless wife, Bryony soon realizes that there is a hidden depth of character behind the earl’s easy grace and seductive wiles. Stuart deftly combines scintillating romance with a hint of mystery in this straightforward story marred only by a somewhat abrupt conclusion. Agent: Jane Dystel, Dystel & Goderich Literary Management. (Aug.)