THE SUM OF ALL KISSES

Sarah Pleinsworth and Hugh Prentice have good reasons for disliking each other, so neither expects the attraction that springs up when they’re forced to spend time together; however, there are a wealth of secrets and obstacles they must overcome to win happiness.

Sarah has nursed her antipathy toward Hugh for years. After all, he wrenched her family apart one horrible night when he forced her cousin into a duel that ultimately sent him into hiding. Now, Daniel is back, apparently due to some secretive dealings on Hugh’s part, but that doesn’t mean Sarah should like him. Daniel is getting married, and his fiancee, Honoria, asks Sarah to keep Hugh company during the reception, since Hugh’s leg was injured during the duel, and he is now lame. To her extreme consternation, the more time she spends with Hugh, the more she likes him, and as the couple—not to mention most of London’s ton—moves from Daniel’s wedding to another wedding of mutual friends, Sarah and Hugh find themselves moving from rapprochement to affection to love. However, there is much more to the story of Daniel’s flight after the duel, and dark shadows from that time will reappear once it becomes clear Sarah and Hugh may be headed for a match. Quinn brings her signature style and wit to yet another late-Regency romance, with some character favorites fans have met before in both the highly popular Smythe-Smith and Bridgerton series. Hugh’s mathematical brilliance combined with a self-imposed wariness toward his companions make for an enigmatic hero. Sarah's and Hugh's overcoming of their mutual dislike as they open up to one another is a winsome choice that makes perfect sense for the relationship arc and works well for the storyline, especially once they face Hugh’s dark past and the specter that threatens their happiness and Daniel’s life.

Charmingly romantic, with compelling edges of dark conflict and sexual tension.