Popular romance author Laura Lee Guhrke begins a new series with When the Marquess Met His Match, a fun and frothy romp through London featuring straight-laced matchmaker Belinda Featherstone and a charming rake who proves to be more than a match for her. When Nicholas, Marquess of Trubridge, comes knocking on Belinda's door, looking to alleviate his suddenly penniless state through marriage to a rich young American heiress, Belinda sees only his apparent resemblance to her own cold and selfish late husband, and sends him packing. With a bit of devious manipulation, Nicholas manages to engage her, but over the course of their business arrangement finds his plans decidedly inconvenienced by a ferocious attraction. Ultimately, Nicholas must overcome his own personal case of arrested development to prove to his matchmaker that there is no match so perfect for him as Belinda.
Guhrke is a seasoned hand at the romance game, and it shows in the seeming ease with which she constructs her stories. Plot and pacing are deftly handled, and her characterization in particular is delightfully vibrant. From their first meeting, Nicholas and Belinda sizzle with wit and vivacity, and it's great fun to watch them strike sparks off each other. When the Marquess Met His Match makes for a charming addition to Guhrke's highly entertaining body of work--and an exciting start to a new series. --Judie Evans, librarian