"Light, charming novellas sure to please."

Lady Neely's dinner parties are always the talk of the ton. This time, instead of the marvelous food capturing society's attention, it's the theft of her ruby bracelet. Lady Whistledown's column reports the guest list, or as they are now being called, the suspects.

Julia Quinn leads off with FIRST KISS. Heiress Lady Tilly returns to the London social whirl after a year of mourning the death of her dearest brother. At Lady Neely's, she meets her late brother's closest friend from the war. After one kiss, she falls in love with the stodgy Peter Thompson. Peter, a baron's penniless second son, lives by a strict code of honor that prevents him offering Tilly a marriage mired in poverty. Tilly must use her wits to convince him otherwise. Ms. Quinn delivers a charming tale, sure to please.

Mia Ryan's LAST TEMPTATION follows with the fluffy tale of Miss Isabella Martin, companion and poor relation, who orchestrates Lady Neely's lavish parties. A dreamer and "Pollyanna," Isabella sees Lord Roxbury as a perfect gentleman, not a debauched rake. Lord Roxbury never has encountered such a woman and her optimism unnerves him.

Suzanne Enoch's rousing BEST OF BOTH WORLDS brings together Charlotte Birling and Lord Matson. Charlotte attempts to submerge her personality to become the demure miss her strict parents wish, until she catches the eye of the dashing and scandalous Lord Matson. Her horrified parents refuse his suit. Charlotte and Lord Matson heat up the pages with their sparkling dialogue and passionate encounters as they seek a solution.

The suspense builds for the final offering, Karen Hawkins's THE ONLY ONE FOR ME. Lady Sophia Easterly and her husband Max's scandalous marriage has been hinted throughout the book. Sophia, known for her way with words and turn of a phrase, becomes tongue-tied with the reappearance of her husband after a 12-year absence. Max returns determined to undo the damage and start their marriage anew. Fireworks galore as these two passionate people battle their emotions.

Ms. Enoch and Ms. Hawkins' stories are the strongest entries in this anthology, while Ms. Quinn and Ms. Ryan follow with light, charming tales guaranteed to please.

Reviewed by Suan Wilson
Posted April 14, 2004

Summary

Who Stole Lady Neeley's Bracelet? Was it the fortune hunter, the gambler, the servant, or the rogue? All of London is abuzz with speculation, but it is clear that one of four couples is connected to the crime. Lady Whistledown's Society Papers, May 1816 Julia Quinn enchants: A dashing fortune hunter is captivated by the Season's most desired debutante...and must prove he is out to steal the lady's heart, not her dowry. Suzanne Enoch tantalizes: An innocent miss who has spent her life scrupulously avoiding scandal is suddenly -- and secretly -- courted by London's most notorious rogue. Karen Hawkins seduces: A roving viscount comes home to rekindle the passionate fires of his marriage...only to discover that his beautiful, headstrong bride will not be so easily won. Mia Ryan delights: A lovely, free-spirited servant is dazzled by the romantic attentions of a charming earl...sparking a scandalous affair that could ruin them both. You'll hear it first from Lady Whistledown