Let It Be Love

When New York Times bestselling author Victoria Alexander created the Effingtons, she introduced an irresistible clan. Now, meet her most unforgettable hero yet . . .

Dashing Jonathon Effington, the Marquess of Helmsley, has had more than one lady willingly fall into his arms. But he's so delicious none has ever complained at their inevitable parting. And while Jonathon's no stranger to passion of the flesh, his heart has remained untouched. Until now . . .

At each Christmas Ball, Jonathon selects a delectable lady to share the pleasures of the evening—after all, it's a holiday tradition! But he is shocked to discover that his choice is replaced by an enchanting stranger who surprises him with a proposal of marriage. Beautiful Fiona Fairchild is desperate—only a wedding will save her sisters and her inheritance. But Jonathon has no interest in marriage, and what starts as a shocking proposal turns into a scandalous proposition that might ruin them both . . .

When New York Times bestselling author Victoria Alexander created the Effingtons, she introduced an irresistible clan. Now, meet her most unforgettable hero yet . . .

Dashing Jonathon Effington, the Marquess of Helmsley, has had more than one lady willingly fall into his arms. But he's so delicious none has ever complained at their inevitable parting. And while Jonathon's no stranger to passion of the flesh, his heart has remained untouched. Until now . . .

At each Christmas Ball, Jonathon selects a delectable lady to share the pleasures of the evening—after all, it's a holiday tradition! But he is shocked to discover that his choice is replaced by an enchanting stranger who surprises him with a proposal of marriage. Beautiful Fiona Fairchild is desperate—only a wedding will save her sisters and her inheritance. But Jonathon has no interest in marriage, and what starts as a shocking proposal turns into a scandalous proposition that might ruin them both . . .

Publishers Weekly

Charismatic bachelor Jonathon Effington, marquess of Helmsley, is a Victorian-age cad with a difference. He never kisses and tells-not even about his notorious annual Christmas trysts with whatever woman who's caught his fancy during the holiday season. He now claims to be ready to marry, once he finds the smart, spirited, strong-willed wife of his dreams. Meeting all qualifications-and needing a husband to gain her inheritance without being forced into an arranged marriage-Fiona Fairchild substitutes herself for Helmsley's Christmas trystee and proposes. Sure that it's a joke, he accepts. The comedy of errors that ensues as the inexplicably panicked marquess attempts to escape his commitment with honor pushes the conventional love-hate plot stretch into strain; after all, Fiona's clearly the marquess's dream damsel. Still, the story's far-fetched twists are festive enough, and coupled with the characters' considerable charm, render this rollicking historical romance from bestseller Alexander (When We Meet Again) the perfect holiday read. Agent, Meg Ruley at Jane Rotrosen Agency. (Nov.) Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.

Victoria Alexander was an award-winning television reporter until she discovered fiction was much more fun than real life. She turned to writing full time and has never looked back. Victoria grew up traveling the country as an Air Force brat and is now settled in Omaha, Nebraska, with her husband, two teenaged children, and a bearded collie named Sam. She firmly believes housework is a four-letter word, there are no calories in anything eaten standing up, procrastination is an art form, and it's never too soon to panic.