A Lady’s Guide to London

In this fun if improbable historical romance from Delacour (The Lady He Lost), a young woman flaunts Victorian society’s expectations. Miss Della Danby and her friend Jane Williams founded Mrs. Bishop’s Chocolate Emporium as an upscale casino for ladies. To boost business, Della asks Viscount Lyman Ashton to feature their club in his Discerning Gentleman’s Guide to London. When he refuses, she decides to write her own guide for women—but remains intrigued by the handsome viscount and pursues him aggressively, ostensibly for his assistance with her project. Lord Ashton lost his fortune gambling and, as an unhappily married man, he knows he has nothing to offer Della—but he still finds her irresistible. When his wife sues for divorce, implicating Della in adultery, they both face ruin. Many romance readers will struggle to root for a married hero to betray his vows, while those with historical scruples will struggle with the abundant anachronisms. Still, Della makes for a feisty heroine who is unafraid to buck norms in pursuit of what she wants. This is a mixed bag. (Apr.)