To Love the Brooding Baron

Flint’s solid, G-rated sequel to Games in a Ballroom pairs a plucky heroine with her brother’s stoic friend in Regency London. Though Baron Henry Northcott has a reputation for being morose and standoffish, Arabella Latham can’t forget the kindness he showed to her and her brother during their father’s dying days. Though Henry is attracted to Arabella, he feels he must hold himself aloof, having decided never to marry or have children for fear of passing on the mental illness that plagued both his mother and sister. Arabella, however, is entirely unperturbed upon learning his family history, and even executes a daring plan to free his sister from Bedlam hospital, where she remains wrongfully committed. Arabella’s progressive approach to mental health is admirable and Henry’s admiration of her feels well earned. Witty repartee fills the pages, and the protagonists especially bond when Henry recognizes the origins of Arabella’s frequent Shakespeare quotes. Readers looking for chaste historical romance will want to check this out. (June)