Lady Charlotte always gets her man

A woman escapes an arranged marriage to a dastardly viscount and falls for his brother instead in this effervescent historical from Marsh (Velocity of a Secret). After Lady Charlotte Lovett's mother informs her that she is engaged to Viscount Hawley, Charlotte, who believes Hawley was responsible for the deaths of his two former wives, flees--and ends up at the Black Sheep, a coffeehouse owned by her estranged cousin, Hannah Wick. Charlotte offers to use her inheritance from a great-aunt to invest in the coffeehouse and revamp it as a place where women and men can meet and debate on equal terms, hoping that through eavesdropping, she'll manage to dig up more dirt and prove Hawley's villainy. It's at the Black Sheep where she meets Dr. Matthew Talbot, Hawley's younger brother. Though Charlotte is attracted to the seemingly kindhearted Matthew, she can tell he's keeping secrets and worries he's in on his brother's nefarious activities. As danger mounts, these two prove their devotion to each other through some daring feats, making it easy to cheer for their connection. Historical details about aristocratic privilege and the ills of indentured servitude add texture. The combination of entrepreneurial heroine, swoony hero, and exciting plot makes this a winner. Agent: Jessica Watterson, Sandra Dijkstra Literary. (Mar.)

Lady Charlotte Lovett is 25 years old and has yet to find wedded bliss. She's in no rush, but her parents are, and they decide she is to be married to Viscount Hawley, William Talbot, future duke and twice widowed under dubious circumstances. Charlotte refuses to allow the marriage and schemes to uncover Hawley's malfeasances and secure her own funds in case she must support herself. As she begins to unravel the truth, she suspects that Hawley's younger brother, Matthew, might be implicated after she observes him acting mysteriously. Shunned by society and bullied by his family for choosing to become a scholar, Matthew has always led an outcast life. Even with his frequent travels for research and clandestine purposes, he has long suspected his eldest brother of nefarious deeds and has tried to prove them, with no luck. When he realizes that his longtime crush Charlotte is now in his brother's crosshairs, Matthew knows he must act. VERDICT Marsh's (Velocity of a Secret) latest is billed as a match for Enola Holmes fans, and with its mysterious turns, commentary on social norms, and endearing romance, the comparison is spot-on, plus some extra heat.--Kellie Tilton

A lady escapes a dangerous betrothal and discovers a new life elsewhere in London. Like many women of her time, Lady Charlotte Lovett is informed about her engagement, rather than given a choice in the matter, though it's unusual that her mother waited to tell her until they're at the fitting for a gown for her betrothal ball. Upon realizing her parents have matched her with an unnerving and possibly murderous heir to a dukedom, she runs away, still wearing her gown. In a panic, she turns to the only person she can think of to help her--Hannah Wick, an estranged cousin who owns a coffeehouse--and thus makes the jump from the constrained world of the aristocracy into a much more interesting side of London. Once ensconced in Hannah's coffeehouse, Charlotte encounters a man she doesn't expect: Dr. Matthew Talbot, best friend of her beloved twin brother, Alexander, but also the younger brother of her erstwhile fiance. He has been secretly besotted with her for years, though so traumatized by abuse from his family that he believes himself far beneath her. The first in a new series from Marsh will thrill fans of smart, complex historical romances as long as they don't mind a story liberally speckled with humorous moments, including repeated interludes centering on a rather vulgar parrot. Though Marsh admits, in an author's note, to taking some liberties with historical details, the story is grounded in the less glamorous elements of the era, including England's involvement in the slave trade, the role of kidnapping in indentured servitude, and the "beautiful, caged bird" status of privileged women. Though occasionally bogged down by cliche, this is ultimately a well-plotted and enjoyable story that will be in good company on a growing list of historical romances that explore life in London beyond the fancy dresses and masquerade balls. A promising start to an intriguing new historical romance series. Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.