The Lady and the Thief

Moore (To Tempt a Saint) sparkles in the chaste first installment of her Duke’s Men Regency series. As travel guide author Lady Aurora Melforth’s paid companion, aspiring writer Viv Bradish gets the opportunity to contribute to The Lady’s Guide to Walking in London. Hoping to make an impact, she hatches a plan to allow a thief to snatch her purse and then write a piece about defending herself, a scheme that goes awry when Edward “Lark” Larkin comes to her rescue mid-robbery—and gets in the way of her bullet. Viv rushes Lark back to Lady Aurora’s home to tend his wounds and the pair wind up caught in a compromising situation. Lark proposes a fake engagement to protect Viv’s reputation and­ makes himself appear a favorable potential suitor by mentioning that he has friends in high places, including the Duke of Wenlocke. He does not mention, however, that their association began when they were both in the same gang. A reformed criminal, Lark was at the scene of the crime in the first place because he’s friends with Viv’s assailant (another fact he keeps from her). Real feelings grow out of Viv and Lark’s sham betrothal—but what will Viv think when she learns the truth? Moore highlights the restrictive class structure of Regency England with authenticity and empathy for the desperation of the less fortunate. This enticing series starter will keep readers riveted. Agent: Pamela Ahearn, Ahearn Agency. (June)