In Search of Scandal

November 9, 2015
Brooding botanist and adventurer Will Repton and common-born socialite Charlotte Baker take center stage in this warm and complex Victorian romance. Will, recently returned to London after a six-year trip in China with a dire ending, manifests himself as the man of irrepressible Charlotte’s romantic dreams when he pays a call on her brother-in-law and inadvertently gets presented among her suitors. His determination to fund a new expedition and return to Tibet, driven by a secret purpose, is at odds with her belief that they are destined to be together. More visits with her brother-in-law become a screen behind which Will informally courts Charlotte, displaying a depth of perception and understanding that her other beaux lack. Readers may become impatient with the obstacles between the lovers (which could be removed with a frank emotional discussion) and a bit of a kitchen-sink approach to the subplots, but the warmth of their romantic and intellectual connection, as well as the strongly drawn supporting characters, make this novel worth the reader’s while. Agent: Kristin Nelson, Nelson Literary Agency.

December 1, 2015

The only survivor of a brutal massacre, explorer Will Repton returns from Tibet a wounded hero, but memories plague him and he knows he'll have to go back. Charlotte Baker has followed Will's expedition with avid interest, and when she meets him in person, the connection between them is electric. She believes that they are destined to be together, but Will is not about to let anything keep him from Tibet, even his growing feelings for Charlotte. Naturally, Charlotte has her own ways of getting what she wants. Hidden agendas add a dash of danger to this steamy Victorian romance. VERDICT An intrepid explorer with an unfinished quest and some ghosts to lay to rest and a fearless heroine fight for their love against all odds. An emotionally compelling, heartrending debut. Lord lives in Chicago.

Copyright 2015 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

November 1, 2015
Lord introduces the first of her London Explorers in this delightful debut. Will Repton has returned from Tibet, the only survivor of a bloody massacre, with physical and mental scars few know about. And he has no time to be lauded as a hero; another quest awaits him in China, and Will must gather enough resources to make this critical journey. He certainly didn't expect his attention, or his desire, to be diverted by Charlotte Baker. Charlotte believes that she and Will are kindred spirits, and risks her reputation by defying societal rules to prove that they are a match. Will knows he fancies Charlotte, but is more driven by his secret quest. When temptation catches up and throws them together, will Charlotte be able to make the journey to the center of Will's heart, or will they find themselves separated by a gulf wider than the ocean Will wishes to cross? Passionate characters and personal adventures come alive in Lord's post-Regency series opener.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2015, American Library Association.)