Private Arrangements (Book #47)

I've tried to read any number of books the past few years that are billed as the hottest, the freshest new voice in historical romance. Unlike many such books, Private Arrangements (Sherry Thomas, 2008) lives up to the hype. It's not a perfect book, but it's well-written, with characters and a setting that feel three-dimensional. (And for those of you who are tired of nothing but Regencies, this one is set in the 1890's.) To my especial delight, the hero and heroine aren't straight from Central Casting. The heroine, in particular, is delightfully ruthless and practical, not your usual romance saint.