Terrified to the point of paralysis at the thought of enduring her first London season, 16-year-old Madeline Gracechurch invents a fiancé and the love of her life—a heart-stopping Highlander captain who is off saving England—and convinces her family she will have no other. For years it's been a perfect plan—and then Capt. Logan MacKenzie shows up in the flesh, with every intention of claiming his bride and her Highland holdings. A loyal hero who will do anything for the damaged men he brought back from war and a shy, artistic heroine who comes into her own are drawn to each other in spite of themselves in a stirring romance that tempers hardship with humor and introduces readers to an assortment of characters (including a pair of would-be amorous lobsters) they won't soon forget. VERDICT With sharp, clever banter, breathtaking sensuality, colorful descriptions, and solid cultural detail, this compelling, often hilarious escapade puts a refreshing spin on the "imaginary lover" theme and adds another winner to Dare's riveting "Castles" series. Dare (Say Yes to the Marquess) lives in Southern California.

Dare's marvelous third Castles Ever After Regency romance (after Say Yes to the Marquess) builds a gradual, intense romance between two people who are determined to avoid love and commitment. Maddie Gracechurch, determined to avoid a London season, writes to Capt. Logan MacKenzie, a Highland warrior, pretending that he's her fiancé. He conveniently dies in battle, leaving her to pursue an illustration career and savor singlehood. Nine years later, Logan appears at Lannair Castle, where Maddie resides with her aunt Thea. Though Maddie explains that the letters were purely fictional, he intends to make good on his promise to marry her. Logan wants to have a home for his men who have followed him through the trials of battle; the castle is perfect. And he assures Maggie that once they've consummated the marriage, she can continue her work while they both enjoy their freedom. But their mutually acceptable agreement is hampered by their physical desire, as Logan comes to know the woman behind the letters and Maggie learns to break through his practiced emotional detachment. Dare's swiftly moving plot is enhanced by the seamlessly developed romance, and the sensuality is heightened by the slow awakening of the unlikely pair's mutual attraction. Agent: Steve Axelrod, Axelrod Agency. (Sept.)