Barker, Joanna

With her upbringing as a born-out-of-wedlock child in an actress’s home, Verity is a unique and admirable heroine, and readers will fall for Nathaniel’s tender side, especially with his parents. This novel is a stand-alone, but start with Barker’s A Heart Worth Stealing, as the protagonists play a supporting role.

An excellent choice for readers who love both traditional Regencies and detective mysteries.