Heartbreaker

A brilliant cutpurse and a crusading duke star in this Victorian-set romp. Adelaide Frampton is the daughter of London’s most dreaded criminal. No surprise then that she’s developed keen skills, a repertoire highly useful to those devoted to punishing the untouchable men of London’s elite. The Duke of Clayborn has been watching Addie in ballrooms for years, wondering why he seems to be only one to notice her quick fingers, among other attributes. When they cross paths far outside the social scene, Addie wonders why she has not paid more attention to the duke. Warriors both, they are pulled into the same case, crossing swords and England as they race to save the day. MacLean gathered accolades for the first in her “Hell’s Belles” series (LJ star–earner Bombshell), and this book continues on that high note with a great deal of wit, heart, and heat. Smart writing, deep characterizations, and a zippy pace will keep readers immersed while MacLean’s deft hand at a number of romance tropes simply delights.