Four Weddings and a Duke

With this distinguished standalone Regency, McLean (To Trust a Thief) explores the fraught arranged marriage between a scientifically minded duke and an erstwhile wallflower. When bookish, antisocial Alex Reddington unexpectedly steps into his brother’s shoes as Duke of Beaubrooke, he also inherits a marriage contract with the Wynnburn family and must choose which of their three daughters to wed. Alex proposes to the shy, overlooked, and somewhat socially awkward middle daughter, Lavinia, hoping he’s found a wife who will leave him to his studies and won’t force him to participate in society. Lavinia, meanwhile, is overjoyed that someone finally noticed her and sets about to become the perfect duchess—which of course includes hosting and attending parties. Though Lavinia schedules the events around Alex’s research, their fundamental miscommunication leads to frustration and hurt on both sides, even as real feelings develop between them. Propelled forward by both a host of misunderstandings and some passionate interludes, the fast-moving plot offers plenty of enjoyment. Readers will especially cheer for Lavinia as she comes into her own and embraces love. Agent: Janna Bonikowski, Knight Agency. (June)