Every Bit a Rogue

January 6, 2020
Love hides in plain sight in Basso’s delightful fourth Ellingham Regency (after A Little Bit Sinful). Artistically minded Emma Ellingham, younger sister to the heroines of the previous novels, attends what was supposed to be the wedding of Viscount Jon Burwell, whose fiancée abandons him at the altar. Emma can sympathize: the object of her girlhood infatuation rejected her as well. One year later, Emma stumbles on the reclusive viscount tinkering in his workshop, which neighbors her brother-in-law’s estate. A storm traps the pair in the workshop overnight, an innocent sleepover that would cause a scandal were it to get out. But when Jon’s ex-fiancée’s new husband turns up murdered the next morning, Emma must come forward to provide Jon’s alibi. To save Emma’s reputation from ruin, the two wed and vow to make the marriage a “true union” despite both fearing their spouse yearns for a previous lover. Though readers will be disappointed the murder mystery goes unresolved, the honorable protagonists’ chemistry and gradual growth toward emotional maturity is deeply satisfying. This rousing romance will enchant series fans and win over new readers. Agent: Pam Hopkins, Hopkins Literary.

February 1, 2020

Abandoned at the altar, Jon Burwell, Viscount Kendall, hides behind his scientific pursuits to cope with the humiliation. For Emma Ellingham, rejection has resulted in a loss of her passion to sketch and paint, which she used to do earnestly. In Jon's workshop, however, Emma's dormant creative impulses spring back to life when she discovers his latest invention. Reluctant to allow anyone to view his creations, Jon banishes Emma from the lab, but not before the two get caught in a storm and Emma is compromised. Facing scandal and being forced to wed and relive their painful pasts, the couple will have to rely on each other in ways they never expected. VERDICT Basso (Intimate Betrayal) allows for romance to kindle and build between Emma and Jon with just a touch of drama to keep the plot compelling. This is perfect for readers who prefer a Regency romance driven by the characters' desires rather than an outside element of suspense.--Kellie Tilton, Univ. of Cincinnati Blue Ash

Copyright 2020 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

February 1, 2020
Basso returns with a splash to historical romance with the highly anticipated continuation of The Ellinghams series, which includes A Little Bit Sinful (2011). Emma Ellingham is an untraditional woman contending with England's Victorian conventions. She has no desire to marry; her one wish is to regain her artistic motivation. Due to her broken heart, her art seems to be lost forever, until she stumbles upon a mysterious machine and the man who is building it. Jon Burwell strives to overcome being jilted at the altar and noxious rumors by immersing himself in his scientific pursuits. When Emma and Jon become unexpectedly bound together in matrimony to avoid scandalous ruin, will their respect and physical passion evolve into love? Feisty, outspoken Emma and unassuming Jon are a perfect match in Basso's latest steamy and engaging historical romance, one which should please fans of Beverly Jenkins, Courtney Milan, and Kathryn Caskie.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2020, American Library Association.)