To Marry and to Meddle

Waters’s third Regency Vows romance (after To Love and to Loathe) is more than the marriage of convenience story line that sets up its plot, meshing the classic Regency theme of defying societal expectations with all the wit and humor of a rom-com. Lady Emily Turner is well into her sixth season on London’s marriage market. Despite her beauty and spotless reputation, her father’s extensive debts ensure she’ll never receive a suitable proposal. Indeed, her only suitor is his father’s horrid creditor—until theater owner Lord Julian Belfry offers her a way out. Though Julian is the black sheep of his family and his theater’s known for courting scandal, his marriage proposal would free Emily’s family financially and she readily accepts. Meanwhile, Julian hopes his faultless new bride will improve his theater’s reputation. Neither is prepared to fall in love, but as Julian treats Emily as his equal and Emily takes an interest in his theater, romance blooms. Waters makes them an easy couple to root for by highlighting the unconditional support that comes with love. The result is a fun romp full of smiles. Agent: Taylor Haggerty, Root Literary. (Apr.)