Romance

Sins of Omission

While no one would expect an honorable heroine or hero to lie deliberately—at least not without good reason—keeping secrets, withholding important information, or hiding one's identity is another matter entirely. Fiction thrives on such deceits, and romance is no exception. Long-kept family mysteries, unrevealed powers and abilities, undisclosed facts, and those concealed babies are staples in the genre, and our reading life is all the richer for it. Check out a few of the current crop of delightful deceits below.

Oliver Leighton, the Earl of Norcroft, is vaguely depressed to win the tontine his friends formed by remaining the last of them to marry. Kathleen MacDavid could have told him that his life was about to change dramatically, but she falls off the train station platform and suffers amnesia. She ends up at his estate, where attraction and romance follow. Kathleen regains her memory, but the couple's happiness is threatened when the truth is revealed, and the magical explanation doesn't sit well with Oliver. Tantalizingly sexy and filled with lively banter, this inventive and thoroughly delightful conclusion to Alexander's "Last Man Standing" quartet explores the existence of magic and curses and doesn't let readers off the hook until the very end. Nicely done! Alexander (Secrets of a Proper Lady) lives near Omaha. (See the Q&A on p. 52.)

Tough, talented superspy Lila Moreau has her old enemy and former agent Sorcerer in her sites. This time, she'll bring him and his criminal network down, with or without the help of her gorgeous, new—and, she hopes, temporary—partner, Joel Faraday. After all, it should be easy to find and infiltrate a group of computer geeks at a small college on the banks of the Ohio and shut down their malevolent hacking, right? But it's not as simple as it seems, especially when being this close to Joel is doing strange things to her heart. The latest in Bevarly's OPUS series, this riveting story overflows with sexual tension, smart dialog, and fast-paced action; an intriguing, often funny, and enjoyable read. Bevarly (Fast & Loose) lives in Kentucky.

Josette de Moreau, a powerful, gifted witch known to society as Elegance "Ella" St. James, the widowed Countess of Lanshire, has left the coven at Lavender House and is focusing on finding a man to father her child—an unappealing, undemanding one, unlike the disconcertingly attractive Sir Drake. She is also quietly seeking a murderer. But so is Sir Drake, and as they draw closer to the truth, the danger from an insidious evil threatens their lives and their growing love. This well-told, darkly magical tale of secrets, deception, witchcraft, and power is the first mesmerizing volume of Greiman's promising "Witches of Mayfair" trilogy. The author (Unmanned) lives in rural Minnesota.

Commanded by a crafty baron to wed his son or risk her noble family's safety, magically gifted healer Celestia Montehue reluctantly marries the guilt-ridden, vengeance-driven returning crusader Nicholas Le Blanc and goes with him to his ancestral home, a crumbling keep near the Scottish border. Murderous attacks, local suspicion, family ghosts, old hatreds, and treachery are only a few of the obstacles plaguing this emotionally conflicted pair as they try to untangle a mystery and resolve their growing feelings for each other while keeping their original agreement for a chaste marriage and an eventual annulment. A strong, appealing heroine, several enjoyable relatives you'd like to know better, and one or two unexpected plot twists enhance this story, which, unfortunately, is overlong and occasionally lags; it would have benefited from tighter editing. Hall lives in Jupiter, FL.

Widowed and bored, dispensing her version of justice in the Shire Court and thinking she's missed out on life's adventurous side, Harriet, Duchess of Berrow, decides some changes are in order and sallies forth disguised as young Harry Cope to a rather disreputable house party. The problems arise when her host, the scandalous rake Lord Strange, is attracted to "Harry." With a nod to Shakespeare's Twelfth Night and other classics, this insightful, bawdy Georgian escapade is filled with memorable characters (including a meddlesome yet precocious eight-year-old) doing outrageous things and is the third title in the author's "Desperate Duchesses" series. James (An Affair Before Christmas), a Shakespearean scholar in her other life, lives in the New York City area.

Genetically enhanced with abilities sharpened to supernatural perfection, Tatiana races to find a hidden lab in the frozen Northern Waste and stop her former captor from unleashing a virulent plague that could destroy humanity. Tristan, mysterious and enigmatic, is also on a mission, and when necessity throws them together, they slowly realize that they have more in common than they had dreamed—as well as secrets that could save them all. Larger-than-life protagonists, vivid descriptions, lush sensuality, and violent, fast-paced action make a fascinating premise come to life with stunning clarity in this high-energy story that follows Driven and will appeal to romance and sf fans alike. Kenin also writes under her own name, Eve Silver; she lives in Ontario, Canada.

Engaged by Simon Atwood, Lord Granger and secret agent for the Crown, to keep track of the visitors to her noble clients' homes, children's dance instructor Jane Chatham finds herself attracted to the lonely Simon, despite her wariness of any man's attentions. However, strange doings are afoot, and as Jane and Simon learn more—and become more romantically attached—things turn far more dangerous. From one of the genre's favorite authors, this sweetly provocative romance draws readers in and packs an emotional punch. Layton (Bride Enchanted) lives on Long Island, NY.

Spirited Katey Tyler leaves Connecticut and heads to Europe for an adventurous grand tour and a stopover in England in hopes of connecting with her late mother's estranged family. Before her "adventure" even starts, she attracts the attention of sexy shipowner Boyd Anderson, rescues a young girl from a kidnapper, and lands herself smack-dab in the middle of the powerful Malory family! In typical Lindsey fashion, untold secrets, hidden relationships, fascinating family interaction, steamy passion, and an intricate plot add to the mix. Set in 1826, this is the ninth in Lindsey's Malory-Anderson series (beginning with Love Only Once, 1985). While the story stands on its own, because of the many continuing characters, readers would benefit from reading some of the earlier stories. Lindsey (The Devil Who Tamed Her) lives in Hawaii.

Concerned when her elderly neighbor breaks her leg, health-care worker Julie Wong takes matters into her own hands and secretly emails the woman's Upstate New York-based workaholic son, never dreaming that an innocent online missive could turn into something much more significant—to both of them. Totally opposite, likable protagonists who beautifully complement each other; quirky, lovable secondary characters; and vivid descriptions of island life are highlights of this sweet, funny romance. Fans of Mahon will enjoy catching up with the rest of the inhabitants of tiny Malino, HI, in this latest in the author's (Dolphin Dreams) multicultural "Secret Romance" series. Mahon lives in Paradise Valley, AZ.

Soldier-turned-highwayman Jack Audley is stunned when the noblewoman whose coach he waylays claims he looks like her dead son and might be the real Duke of Wyndham. He eventually goes to Belgrave Castle to get some answers, but his existence creates quite a stir, especially for his cousin Thomas, the current duke, and Thomas's betrothed, Amelia. Amelia's father intends for her to marry the titleholder, so if Jack should end up with it, this would be a problem not only for Thomas and Amelia but also for Jack and Grace Eversleigh, the dowager's companion, who were drawn to each other at first sight. This sexy, witty tale is typical of Quinn's light historicals and is the first in her Dukes of Wyndham duo; Mr. Cavendish, I Presume is scheduled for an October release. The popular Quinn (The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever) is best known for her Bridgerton series.

As the king's ward, Nicole de Leon knows she must marry as the king decrees. But when Rhodri ap Daffyd is sent by her Welsh uncle to see how she fares and then an English earl unreasonably forces them to leave the safety of the abbey for Oxford Castle, Nicole is more than willing to go with Rhodri to Wales. Politics and power form the backdrop here, while Nicole's "conversations" with the dead add a bit of paranormal color to this sensual tale of 12th-century Britain. This is the final volume in Anton's medieval trilogy about the de Leon sisters and the magical legend that binds them together. The author (Twilight Magic) lives in Wisconsin.

The war is over between the Coalition and the Drakken Horde. Now, with a new starship and a fresh charge to patrol the Borderlands for the Triad Alliance, as well as make peace among the former enemies aboard her ship, Admiral Brit Bandar sets out to help maintain the galaxy's fragile truce. Unfortunately, her new second-in-command is ex-pirate and Warleader Finnar Rorkken, former Scourge of the Borderlands and a man she thoroughly despises. Not unexpectedly, neither is prepared for the romantic attraction that flares between them or the mutual respect and emotional bond that develops as they are forced to work together against unforeseen dangers. A fast-paced, thrilling story that, while somewhat darker than Grant is known for, will appeal to fans of her earlier books (How To Lose an Extraterrestrial in 10 Days). Although based on the same world as Grant's earlier "Otherworldly Men" trilogy, Moonstruck is the first installment in her new "Borderlands" titles.

Taking a cue from the ubiquitous reality TV shows, Parker sets her debut novel during the English Regency social season, with a farcical scheme by a rakish duke to marry off his younger brother by collecting seven eligible noblewomen at his castle and letting the contest begin. The difficulty arises, of course, when one of his selections, outspoken, independent Madelyn Haywood, balks at the invitation and lets the duke know in no uncertain terms that she's not interested, thus intriguing him no end. A funny, passionate, refreshing tale that pokes fun at the "marriage mart," from a new author with a creative flair. Parker resides in Cleveland.

A macho, marriage-shy coach convinced that divorce has been coded into his family's DNA and a human relationships teacher, strong on theory but woefully lacking in practice, find their ideas and patience put to the test when Rachel Levin's high school "Marriage 101" class dares her and coach Danny Riccuci to follow her students' assignment—stay "married" to someone they didn't choose for the school year! Sparks fly, emotions sizzle, and romance blooms between the reluctant pair as their preconceived ideas give way to love in this sweet, hilarious tale that is brimming with sassy humor, snappy dialog, and intriguing family dynamics. It even provides a lively take on the high school scene. Shelley (One Starry Night) lives in Glendale, AZ.

A frustrated earl seeking to marry a quiet, biddable woman instead of the spoiled, shallow chit his mother has in mind finds his ideal wife when a seemingly meek distant relative comes to him for a reference. Marriage quickly follows—then the truth comes out, and the trouble begins. This charming, funny Regency was first published in 1991.

Sourcebooks is reprinting a number of Heyer's classic historical and Regency romances in trade format and plans to have 21 of her 40-plus novels in print by mid-2009. A lovely young spinster is both charmed and infuriated by the wealthy, unconventional black sheep uncle of the fortune hunter on whom her young niece has her heart set. This character-driven novel (1966) is considered one of Heyer's best. In Faro's Daughter, Deb Grantham, a beautiful, well-bred young woman working in her aunt's exclusive gaming salon, turns the tables on an arrogant aristocrat who jumps to all the wrong conclusions as he sets out to rescue his besotted young nephew from Deb's nonexistent schemes. First published in 1941.

Together with Zeke Cutler, successful businesswoman Dani Pembroke sets out to solve the 25-year-old mystery of her mother's disappearance, and, in the process, they resurrect old secrets that someone will do anything to keep buried. Wealthy, extravagant Syracuse is the high-profile setting for this chilling thriller that was first published in 1993.