The Bridemaker

A devilish rake will do anything to learn the secret of a straitlaced schoolmarm in this Regency romance by the bestselling author of The Troublemaker. Word has it that every awkward young lady sent to Mrs. Hester Poitevant's Mayfair Academy inevitably becomes marriage material. With her students going on to have any eligible bachelor they wish, Hester is able to live comfortably and in the background. And no one knows that under the guise of a stuffy widow, she is a beautiful woman who has never been married. Although Adrian Hawke is a dashing and successful businessman, his scandalous birth makes him a less-than-ideal candidate for a husband. When he draws attention from one of Hester's favorite students, the prim Mrs. Poitevant forcefully puts a stop to it-and falls victim to his charms herself. Adrian, meanwhile, is not fooled by the feisty widow's facade. Intrigued, the clever rogue is determined to uncover what Hester is hiding in more ways... than one. Perfect for fans of the Bridgerton series! "With this sparkling romance between a highly regarded widow and a thoroughly charming rake, Becnel... breathes life into the rigid Regency-era romance genre.... Hester's spirited personality and Adrian's devil-may-care attitude will appeal to a broad readership. Playful in tone and rich in character, this book is fun, breezy entertainment." - Publishers Weekly "A real treat." - Booklist