Her lessons in persuasion

Bram Townsend thought he was doing a good deed by saving a woman who seemed intent on throwing herself off a bridge. It turns out the lady in question, amateur astronomer Wilhelmina Bettesford, was simply trying to get a better glimpse of the Pleiades. After exchanging a few choice words, Wilhelmina parts company with the argumentative yet intriguingly sexy Bram, secure in the knowledge she will never again have to spend time in his company. Then a charity auction at the Devenaugh Home for Destitute Boys (aka the School for Scoundrels) brings Bram and Wilhelmina back together, and the two discover they share more than just a love of argument. In her usual ingeniously inventive manner, Frampton (Gentleman Seeks Bride, 2021) launches her new Victorian-set School for Scoundrels series with a superbly entertaining romance that not only delivers plenty of red-hot passion but also rings several clever changes on the tried-and-true historical romance plot with a stepmother who plays against the "wicked" stereotype as well as a book club comprised of the hero and his male friends.

Lady Wilhelmina "Mina" Bettesford is an astronomer, trying to avoid marriage at all costs before receiving her inheritance and dedicating her life to the stars. Unfortunately, Mina's widowed father suddenly marries, and her stepmother convinces barrister Bram Townsend to pretend he is courting Mina, hoping this will heighten the interest of more eligible men from the London aristocracy. Bram agrees to help Mina fend off suitors and family expectations and soon finds Mina is his match. As a barrister, Bram enjoys debating, and Mina refuses to back down from any argument. She has strong opinions and the backbone to stand up for them, judging others based on their own merits instead of society's standards. Rather than declare his love for her, Bram understands Mina must change her own views on marriage and love before they have a chance at a future together. VERDICT Frampton's (Four Weeks of Scandal) series starter showcases two fiercely headstrong protagonists playfully matching wits. Bram's quirky friends are immensely fun, adding generous amounts of humor to the romance, and fans will be excited to see each of their stories revealed in future installments.--Eve Stano

A young woman who dreams of being an astronomer wants nothing to do with marriage. Lady Wilhelmina Bettesford is 24 years old and firmly on the shelf--by design. She plans to move to the countryside with her widowed aunt, leaving London and the dreary demands of the aristocracy behind. One evening, while attempting to observe the stars from a bridge, she is "rescued" by barrister Bram Townsend, who thought she was planning to jump to her death. Bram and Wilhelmina feel an instant connection but assume they will never see each other again. Then, Wilhelmina's plans go awry when her father arrives home with Alethea, his new 19-year-old bride. Although Wilhelmina expects the girl to be an evil stepmother, Alethea is a complex and interesting character, albeit one who is determined to find Wilhelmina a husband. When the family attends a fundraiser for the Devenaugh Home for Destitute Boys, Wilhelmina finds herself face to face with Bram. He and his four best friends were raised in the orphanage and support the institution, hoping to make life better for the abandoned children living there. Alethea suggests that Bram should pretend to court Wilhelmina, which will make her a more attractive prospect to the men of her own titled class. They agree, each for their own reasons: Bram hopes to be promoted to judge, and he can use the scheme to make connections to London's elite, while Wilhelmina hopes to keep the suitors at bay until she comes into her inheritance. The plot is a sweet, slow burn with no conflict, just two people who gradually figure out they are perfect for each other. Bram and Wilhelmina must each reevaluate their long-held beliefs about marriage and partnership with the help of friends and family who recognize they are meant to be together. Charming and placid. Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.