Promised from childhood to Gavin Whitridge, the Duke of Baynton, Elin Morris has always known they would wed, even though it was Gavin's younger brother, Ben, who first stole her heart—and more—when they were only teens and then left her shattered when he abruptly went off to the army. Now, years later, Ben is forced to come home as Elin and Gavin are about to announce their engagement, and once again Elin sees that she's never stopped caring for Ben. And if that weren't enough, there's the frightening little matter of someone trying to kill her. VERDICT Duty and responsibility war with bone-deep love as the nicely developed characters gradually come to terms with the truth. This fast-paced, danger-studded Regency sees its star-crossed lovers get their well-deserved happy ending; a sparkling new series from Maxwell (The Groom Says Yes), who lives in Virginia.

A delicious duke prepares to marry his perfect bride, only to discover that she's in love with someone else: his brother. Maxwell (The Groom Said Yes) delivers sweetly scintillating romance spiced with a dash of mystery in the first novel of her Marrying the Duke Regency series. Elin has been groomed since birth to be the wife of Gavin, the Duke of Baynton. A youthful indiscretion with Gavin's brother, Ben, quickly ended with heartbreak. He was sent off to military service, and she devoted herself to her familial duty. When Ben comes home after eight years of no contact, arriving on the night of Elin and Gavin's betrothal ball, it's not to claim Elin's hand but to blast Gavin for ruining Ben's military career. Even though he's grown up, at heart he's still a grumpy younger brother. Lighthearted fun perfectly balances the somewhat unconventional take on the mores of the time and the enormity of a threat to Elin's life. The focus on strong characterization sets the stage for an exceptionally cozy read and heightens anticipation for the rest of the series. Agent: Robin Rue, Writers House. (Dec.)