The new Regency-set Lonely Lords series from bestseller Burrowes (Lady Eve's Indiscretion) begins with a decidedly unusual hero. Scorned by his parsimonious father, Darius Lindsey keeps his head above water by accepting payment for his extremely discreet intimate services. When elderly Lord Longstreet offers Darius an immense sum to father a child and solve Longstreet's succession problem, Darius decides it's the perfect opportunity to achieve financial security and freedom. Complications ensue when Lady Vivian Longstreet warms Darius's frozen heart and his regular clients refuse to relinquish their boy toy, forcing Darius to dodge, duck, and play dirty to reach his happy ending. Burrowes creates her usual intelligent characters, exciting chemistry, and flowing dialogue, but readers may be slow to warm to Darius, and Vivian is underwritten. Still, Burrowes's skillful balancing act makes this unconventional redemption-and-reward story work, and the role-reversal adds a fresh twist to the "hooker with a heart of gold" trope. Agent: Steve Axelrod, Axelrod Literary Agency. (Apr.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

A precursor to Burrowes' Windham sisters series (Lady Louisa's Christmas Knight, 2012; Lady Eve's Indiscretion, 2013), this title features penniless rake Darius Lindsey and an unusual request that helps him find love and family. When Lord Longstreet offers Darius money if he will get Longstreet's wife pregnant, Darius feels he has to accept. He is supporting troubled family members and attracted to the lovely Lady Vivian, an innocent, quiet type. Longstreet's health is failing, and he knows members of his family are waiting to swoop in on his inheritance, so he wants an heir. But when the arrangement works, things only get more complicated as Darius and Vivian are still drawn to each other. Burrowes' minor characters are often as strong as the hero and heroine, and Lord Longstreet is a great example. This rising author handles powerful romance and complicated family life with skill in romances with great appeal. Her readers will enjoy this tale and will be pleased to see mention of the Windhams. Fans of Sarah MacLean will also enjoy Burrowes.--Alessio, Amy Copyright 2010 Booklist