The designs of Lord Randolph Cavanaugh

When Rand Cavanaugh arrives in Buckinghamshire to check up on his most recent business investment, he discovers his dreams of a financial windfall, the Throgmorton Steam Powered Horseless Carriage, rapidly going up in smoke. Not only has the machine exploded for the third time but Rand also learns that William Throgmorton, the original inventor of the machine, died months ago. Rand wants to believe the strong-willed Felicia Throgmorton when she insists that she and her brother can fulfill the order, but time is rapidly running out. Now, as Rand and Felicia work closely together to try and put the invention back on track, the two find that they are generating plenty of steam between them. With its refreshingly different protagonists, masterfully plotted story line, and generous soupçon of scorching sensuality, this tale will have readers feeling as though they have hit the historical-romance jackpot as Laurens launches her new Cavanaughs series.--Charles, John Copyright 2018 Booklist

Bestseller Laurens (The Lady's Command) launches a Victorian-era series with an appealing impoverished sister-brother duo, Felicia and William John Throgmorton, whose fortunes depend on the success of their father's steam-powered "horseless carriage" invention. After their father's death, William John took over development of the vehicle, and he's surprised by the unexpected arrival of handsome Lord Randolph Cavanaugh, who explains that he owns two-thirds of the invention. When Lord Randolph recognizes that Felicia has an unerring ability to conceptualize the mechanical process, soon all three are working together to prepare the machine for an exhibition to be graced by the Queen's husband, Prince Albert. However, Sir Horace Winthrop, a Luddite who fears the development of new technologies, bribes his nephew, artist Clive Mayhew, to destroy the Throgmortons' work. Clive hesitates to sabotage another artisan's creation but fears the violent criminal who holds his gambling debts. Lord Randolph's recognition that Felicia is the woman of his dreams further complicates matters. Laurens fans will appreciate cameos from the Cynster family, and any reader will appreciate Felicia's pride in her skills, her bittersweet knowledge that her father never saw or valued her talent, and her growing love for the man who believes in her from the start. This is an unusual and winsome historical romance. Agent: Nancy Yost, Nancy Yost Literary. (May) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.