After enduring the requisite period of mourning for a less-than-satisfactory husband, Beatrice Sloane, the Dowager Countess of Farris, is more than ready to enjoy the newfound freedoms of widowhood. First on Beatrice's list of things to do is attend Lord Gibb's famously naughty house party. The only glitch in Beatrice's plans is that for safety's sake, Major Duncan McCameron will be escorting her to Nottinghamshire. Now how on earth is a lady supposed to sample everything the world has to offer with a by-the-book, rule-embracing, adorably gruff man like Duncan watching her every move? Leigh wraps up her Regency-set Union of the Rakes series (My Fake Rake, 2019; Would I Lie to the Duke, 2020), which is cleverly inspired by 1980s pop culture, with a mischievously conceived, boldly sensual love story that powerfully celebrates embracing new opportunities in life and love. With a cadre of captivating characters, wit-infused writing, and a few graceful tips of her writing cap to iconic movies like Ferris Bueller's Day Off and Footloose, Leigh delivers a seemingly effortless, endlessly entertaining love story.

Rigid, rule-following ex-soldier Duncan McCameron meets his match in spontaneous Beatrice Sloane, the Dowager Countess of Farris, in the winning final romance of Leigh's Union of the Rakes series (after Would I Lie to the Duke). Duncan's employer, the Duke of Rotherby, tasks him with escorting Lady Beatrice on her trip to Nottinghamshire, where, unbeknownst to both men, she plans to enjoy the freedom of her newfound widowhood by attending an orgy. Though he's aware of Beatrice's impetuous nature, Duncan expects an uneventful outing. But Beatrice, 12 years Duncan's senior, is determined to have an adventure--though her carriage falling into a ravine, battling with thieves, and pretending to be married out of necessity wasn't what she had in mind. Through these misadventures, Beatrice's wit, curiosity, and candor coax Duncan into loosening up while Duncan's strength, calm demeanor, and measured decisions make Beatrice feel secure--and, eventually, desired--for the first time. Though the tense situations add urgency to the budding romance, the relationship itself is based on a foundation of genuine connection and sincere emotional bonding. With this venturesome Regency, Leigh sends the series out on a high note. Agent: Kevan Lyon, Marsal Lyon Literary. (Feb.)

Beatrice, the Dowager Countess of Farris, has waited a long time to enjoy herself. Now at the age of 46, with her husband deceased and her children grown, what better way to celebrate her new freedom than by attending an orgy? Uptight Major Duncan McCameron has been tasked with escorting her to the party and is unaware of their scandalous destination. A recent army discharge, Duncan is lost without order and rules. His fellow friends, the members of Union of the Rakes, have all married, and Duncan wants to settle down too. He's attracted to the much-older Beatrice, whose free-spirited nature clashes with Duncan's strict discipline. Before long, the two are caught in unexpected adventures like sleeping outdoors, crashing a wedding, and sharing a bed, all before they even reach the party. VERDICT Leigh's third in the "Union of the Rakes" series (after Would I Lie to the Duke) charms with sly nods to 1980s pop culture, particularly the movie Ferris Bueller's Day Off. The attraction smolders between the older, fun-loving Beatrice and her serious younger beau, with risqué love scenes keeping the heat levels high.--Kathryn Howe, Saint John Free P.L., NB

The Union of the Rakes series ends with the exhilarating escapades of a widow and a soldier. At 46, Beatrice Sloane, the Dowager Countess of Farris, wants to finally explore the joys and pleasures she missed out on during her marriage. She's eager to attend a weeklong bacchanal where she can participate in "utter, filthy debauchery." As a favor to a friend, Maj. Duncan McCameron is accompanying Lady Farris on the journey to make sure she arrives safely, and then he has plans to begin a new job. He's been feeling adrift in peacetime and is hopeful a career focus will provide him with a sense of purpose. This jaunt is meant to serve as a short holiday for him, but Lady Farris' spontaneity is antithetical to his need for routine and order. What was supposed to be a straightforward trip ends up involving carriage destruction, outdoor sleeping, an unlawful dance, and, most unexpectedly, fiery passion that turns into love. This adventure-story romance has a big heart and a madcap plot just like Ferris Bueller's Day Off and Footloose, the 1980s films it drew inspiration from. The older heroine is refreshing, and her sexual journey is satisfying and oh-so-sensual. A secondary romance between two male characters is beautifully sweet. The more outlandish parts of the plot sometimes feel too silly, but the characters' connections and emotions always feel grounded in truth. This road trip is worth taking. Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.