Felice

March 9, 2020
Forbidden romance between the heiress to a shipping fortune and a Cajun man drives Roth’s beguiling Bayou Bad Boys series debut (after Josette). In 1859, Felice Andrews returns to New Orleans after years abroad accompanied by Mayhew Rutherford, Marquess of Ainsworth, who intends to ask her father for permission to marry her. Upon arrival at her brother Michel’s shipping office, Felice encounters René Thibodeaux, the man who broke her heart three years before and now works for Michel. The attraction between Felice and René reawakens as Felice assists her brother with the company’s bookkeeping. Though René is proud of his business accomplishments, having risen above his humble beginnings as the illegitimate son of a voodoo priestess, he still believes that Felice is too good for him. But as the relationship between Felice and Mayhew crumbles, Felice seeks solace in René’s arms and discovers that their time apart has not lessened the fire between them. The world of antebellum New Orleans is well-rendered and immersive, and will draw readers in from the very first page. With its strong heroine and themes of enduring love, this sweet story will appeal to fans of historical romance who want a break from Regency England. Agent: Jill Marsal, Marsal Lyon Literary Agency.

April 1, 2020

Felicit� Marielle Christiane Andrews has returned to New Orleans after two years traveling the globe with the intention of introducing her English fianc�, Mayhew Rutherford, Marquess of Ainsworth, to her father, obtaining his blessing, then returning to England. Plans go awry when her brother requests her prowess to settle the books for the family shipping business during an employee's absence. Spending time in the shipping offices means working around Ren� Thibodeaux, the Cajun former thief who is trying to move beyond his past, whom she had hoped to avoid altogether. After all, he's the reason she left New Orleans in the first place. As the ties between Felice and the rigid Mayhew begin to unravel, the chemistry between Felice and Ren� reignites. They each have every reason to stay apart, but when Ren� is framed for murder, they will risk whatever is necessary to gain a future together. VERDICT Roth ("Those Magnificent Malverns" series) kicks off a new series set in pre-Civil War New Orleans at a galloping pace. The well-drawn setting, Felice's verve, and a cast of bold secondary characters illuminate every page.--Kellie Tilton, Univ. of Cincinnati Blue Ash

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