"A delightful anthology"

"One True Love" by Suzanne Enoch. From the day she was born, Anne was expected to marry Halfurst, but in her almost two decades of life, nary a letter from her intended came. When Lady W writes that Anne flirts with other men, Halfurst arrives to protect what has been promised to him.

"Two Hearts" by Karen Hawkins. Elizabeth and Royce are friends, but as she turns thirty-one, Liza decides to marry. Her rumored choice according to Lady W is Durham, but Royce thinks she is making a mistake.

"A Dozen Kisses" by Mia Ryan. No one, including Lady W, knows why Terrance is in town as he never comes to London, at least not since his war injuries. However, Terrance, who rarely speaks, desires his distant relative Caroline, but her family thinks he is a cad and pushes Pellering on her.

"Thirty-Six Valentines" by Julia Quinn. As reported by Lady W, Clive courted Susannah yet married Harriet. Totally humiliated, Susannah keeps her head high. Clive's older brother David feels his family wronged the innocent Susannah and wants to make restitution, but he is not sure how until he falls in love with her.

All four well-written historical romance tales occur around Valentine's Day 1814. Though the quality of the cast ranges from great to okay star, each couple leads one story and plays cameo roles in one or more of the other contributions. This along with the observations of Lady W in her latest scandal reporting (see THE DUKE AND I) add zest to the quartet that will please Regency readers.

Harriet Klausner

Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted January 4, 2003