The Rakehell of Roth

Strong-willed, multidimensional characters drive Howard’s sensuous second Regency Rogues romance. Isobel Vance, the Marchioness of Roth and sister of The Beast of Beswick heroine, Astrid Everleigh, is bedded and abandoned by her husband, Winter, on their wedding night. Left behind in the countryside for the next three years, the formerly demure Isobel grows bold: she learns to ride horses, takes up swearing, and writes all about sex as one half of the salacious advice columnist Lady Darcy. Deciding to heed her own advice and seize what she desires, Isobel heads to London to get revenge by seducing her husband. But despite Winter’s ferocious attraction to her, he repeatedly spurns Isobel’s advances because he fears opening his life to love, as the specter of his parents’ failed marriage still haunts him. When Winter’s jealous younger brother, Oliver, conspires to topple Winter’s place as heir, his scheming threatens the lives of the Vances and brings to light family secrets that will change everything for Winter. It’s a unique spin on the marriage of convenience trope, and Howard pulls it off in spectacular fashion by focusing on her characters’ complex emotional journeys. Howard’s fans and newcomers alike will be charmed. Agent: Thao Le, Sandra Dijkstra Literary. (Feb.)