Book list
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Evanovich, renowned for her best-selling Stephanie Plum series, again joins forces with Kelly (Love in a Nutshell, 2011), and this time the duo takes on the historical-romance genre. It's 1894, and American heiress Caroline Maxwell spends her days suffering through her mother's attempts at setting her up with royalty, a duke being the rank of choice. Caroline doesn't want to be a duchess. She wants to be an adventurer and travel the world, experiencing everything life throws at her. Unlike Caroline, her brother, Eddie, isn't the target of family marriage expectations. He and his best friend, Jack Culhane, have explored exotic places and made a lot of money while doing so. While Mama plans a costume ball to show off their wealth to Caroline's prospective husband, Caroline plans her quest for freedom. Little does this feisty, funny heroine realize her plans will include Jack. Those who have read Love in a Nutshell will discover that this collaboration is a subtle sort of prequel.--Mosley, Shelley Copyright 2010 Booklist

Library Journal
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New York City in 1894 is a beautifully gilded cage for American heiress Caroline Maxwell. Love, respect, and independence of mind are essential to her dream of a happy future, but they have no place in her mother's single-minded pursuit of a prestigious match for Caroline. Wealthy but without status, Jack Culhane has finally noticed Caroline as more than the sister of his friend, but he finds himself up against establishment snobbery, a titled Englishman, and his own reluctance to wed. When a rival threatens Caroline, the pair must work together or a life could be lost. Readers will find plenty to enjoy in this loosely connected prequel to Love in a Nutshell, also coauthored by New York Times best-selling authors Evanovich and Kelly; both novels feature Culhane men building their ever-expanding beer-brewing empire. VERDICT This feisty heroine and her marriage-averse suitor create impressively entertaining fireworks whenever they meet. The diverse, likable cast of supporting characters adds a layer of interest to a fast, fun novel. A little drama, numerous laugh-out-loud moments, and passionate kissing scenes will make this a sure bet for older teens and fans of Mary Balogh or Marion Chesney. [See Prepub Alert, 7/22/12.]-Stacey Hayman, Rocky River P.L., OH (c) Copyright 2012. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Publishers Weekly
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The first historical romance by Evanovich and Kelly (Love in a Nutshell) shines with the glitter of New York City in "the advanced year of 1894." American heiress Caroline Maxwell doesn't want much in life, just independence and passion in a marriage. But that's too much to ask of high society, especially as her mother is set on marrying her off to a mysterious English duke. Caroline prefers her brother's close friend Jack Culhane, who's in no hurry to wed and doesn't fit her mother's idea of a husband. The authors paint a clear picture of the luxurious lives of the ultra-wealthy: cycling in Central Park, scampering around Newport's Cliff Walk, and taking tea in London's finest drawing rooms. Whether running away from her governess or from the duke, captivating Caroline maintains her feisty streak, and her straightforward character is fully fleshed out with intelligence and humor. Caroline's romantic kisses with Jack produce more sexual tension than most bodice-rippers, and an older couple's rekindled romance adds a sweet touch. (Jan.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.