Wicked Designs

Emily Parr may be young and naive, but she is also resourceful. When Godric St. Laurent, the dashing Duke of Essex, kidnaps her in a madcap scheme to ruin her Uncle Albert, she relies on her wits to save her. Held captive at Godric’s estate under the watchful guard of the League of Rogues, Emily is pleasantly surprised that Godric and his friends protect and cosset her more than Albert ever did. Even as she attempts to escape, she charms all five rogues with her plucky spirit. The love scenes between Emily and Godric alternate between tender and steamy as Godric introduces her to passion. The sinister threat to Emily’s future, plotted by Albert’s business partner, is silly and overly contrived, but the natural rapport between Emily and the rogues more than makes up for any weak points. Readers will happily ignore the villainy and enjoy the romp through rumpled bedsheets and the 1820s English countryside as Godric and Emily rocket toward their happy ending. (July)