04/05/2021
Harrington’s well-plotted third Lords of the Armory romance (after An Unexpected Earl) sees love bloom within Regency London’s criminal underbelly. Merritt Rivers, a soldier turned barrister who was recently (and reluctantly) made a baron, is hunting for escaped convict Ronald Chase when he stumbles on an alluring female thief-taker. Their conversation gives way to a flirtatious fencing match—after which he learns her name: Veronica Chase. He arrests her and discovers the details of her criminal past—but offers her a pardon if she will agree to help track the movements of Scepter, the organization responsible for a series of riots sweeping the city with the aim of inciting revolution. Veronica agrees, and as she guides Merritt through London’s rookeries and slums, he’s taken by her kindness toward the less fortunate. As they grow closer and the attraction between them ignites, Merritt must decide whether he can let go of his guilt over the death of his former fiancée and consider a future with Veronica. Harrington’s vivid vision of London reaches from its darkest corners to the glittering halls of the aristocracy, making for an immersive outing. The three-dimensional characters and rich romance will keep Regency fans riveted from the first page. Agent: Sarah Younger, Nancy Yost Literary. (June)
