Julia Wychwood's social anxiety makes any London event terrifying, so she rides her horse and reads novels to escape high society's judgmental gaze. Captain Jasper Blunt is a Crimean war hero with an infamous reputation for his illegitimate children and brutish behavior. He inherits a rundown estate and requires an heiress's funds to improve it. Jasper is a paradox to Julia, as his gentle behavior toward her is at odds with his beastly reputation, and she tries to discern his true nature. When Julia's parents make some questionable and dangerous decisions regarding her future, she decides she is no longer safe in their care and proposes to Jasper, making a deal with him to abscond from London. In return, Julia promises to never unlock a certain room in Jasper's home. What secret is he hiding? When Julia's inheritance is waylaid by her parents, Jasper's secrets are threatened, and Julia realizes her husband may not be who she thought. VERDICT Matthews's second installment in the "Belles of London" series (following The Siren of Sussex) combines deception, risk, and a resourceful heroine to create an intoxicating, suspenseful romance. Highly recommended.—Eve Stano

A grand cross-class romance, a twisty mystery, and emotional internal struggles combine to excellent effect in Matthews's effervescent second Belles of London romance (after Siren of Sussex). Navigating Victorian high society is a necessary nightmare for anxious heiress Julia Wychwood, who prefers the company of a good novel or her horse to men, but longs to escape the clutches of her ailing and overbearing parents. Seeking a spouse is equally unpleasant for war hero Jasper Blunt, who needs a lady's fortune to secure a life for his three children and repair the country estate where they reside. Jasper and Julia discover an unexpected mutual attraction and marry despite Julia's parents' objections to Jasper's suit—and the threat that they will withhold her dowry. Jasper is prepared to sacrifice Julia's money to keep her safe with him, but her family's continued meddling endangers the couple's blissful union—and could dig up secrets that Jasper is desperate to keep buried. Matthews expertly paces out the mystery of what Jasper is hiding; each twist brings Julia and the reader closer to the truth, but the final reveal still manages to be a surprise. Most delightful is the genuine feeling of joy between the newlyweds, who each grow into their own together. Matthews's fans and new readers alike will root for this well-earned love story. Agent: Kevan Lyon, Marsal Lyon Literary. (Oct.)