It had to be a duke

Lorret (Never Seduce a Duke) launches the Liar's Club series with a scintillating fake fiancé romance in Regency England. Verity Hartley is a spinster "teetering on the abyss of six and twenty." For the most part, she's accepted her fate, but when her obnoxious neighbor gloats about having numerous suitors vying for her hand, Verity blurts out a lie to shut her up; she says she's engaged to Magnus Warring, the fifth Duke of Longhurst. He's the most impressive man she can think of on the spot, and though their families are old enemies, she believes her deceit to be harmless. Magnus, for his part, is in London, desperately trying to marry an heiress to bolster the dukedom's flagging coffers. After his potential betrothal is jeopardized when whispers of Verity's lie spread to London, he heads to the country to confront her--but instead ends up begrudgingly agreeing to participate in her deception for a week. As the unlikely pair fake an engagement, their witty verbal sparring gives way to intense chemistry that they try and fail to resist. ("I would appreciate it if you wouldn't curse every time you've finished kissing me." "Me? You're the one who started it this time.") But given the complicated history between their families and Magnus's need to marry for money, does their romance stand a chance? With big emotions, sensual love scenes, and endearing protagonists, this is sure to win hearts. Agent: Stefanie Lieberman, Janklow & Nesbit Assoc. (Nov.)

Lorret (Never Seduce a Duke) begins a new series with this sprightly and fun fake-engagement tale that quickly deepens into a bit of a Cinderella/caper/family story. Verity Hartley is on the verge of becoming a spinster, the seemingly least beautiful and vibrant member of her notorious family. Pushed to the limit by a spiteful acquaintance, Verity manufactures an engagement to a duke. Too bad she picks Magnus Warring, the Duke of Longhurst, who loathes her family and is in the middle of a tricky engagement of his own to an heiress. To get them both out of the mess Verity has made, Magnus suggests a quick real engagement and an even quicker cry off. Once engaged, and much to their surprise, they discover each other and deepen their relationship. It is a lovely tumble and manages to be funny and serious at once. As the plot picks up and Verity and Magnus become enmeshed in decades-old secrets and plans, Lorret adds in more characters to set up the series. VERDICT Fans of Tessa Dare and Grace Burrowes will be happy to find Lorret. This is a strong start to a series that should be in all collections.--Neal Wyatt