From Publishers Weekly
A screwball comedy in all the best ways, D'Alessandro's latest Regency-era romance (after Whirlwind Affair) tackles the thorniest problem Meredith Chilton-Grizedale has ever encountered: What is a professional matchmaker to do when her cliens, Philip Whitmore, the handsome heir to an earldom, suffers from an ancient Egyptian curse that will kill his bride within two days of their wedding? Why, fall in love with him herself, of course. But the curse is only one stumbling block. Another is her secret past as a pickpocket, which could ruin Philip in the eyes of Society. And there's also a shadowy villain who is bent on destroying everything (and everyone) that Philip cares for. Meredith hasn't fought her way off the streets and into the finest drawing rooms by giving up, however, and she's willing to do whatever is necessary to break the curse and help Philip defeat his enemy. The protagonists share an easy intimacy, which is deftly illustrated by the running jokes woven throughout. D'Alessandro's tale falters in pacing when Philip begins to take himself too seriously, but this doesn't detract much from the book's overall charm. Trotting at the heels of Julia Quinn and catching up fast, D'Alessandro should win new fans with her exuberant offering. Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.


Book Description
The Wedding of the Year…

Philip Whitmore, Viscount Greybourne, has survived desert sandstorms, unearthed treasures of ancient cities, and defeated knife-wielding grave robbers. But when it comes to something as ordinary as getting married, Philip discovers that it's not so easy. He's been cursed after discovering an ancient stone tablet that dooms any woman foolish enough to marry him. Somehow, his fortune, title and dashing good looks no longer seem appealing -- and his carefully selected society bride has left him at the altar. The Scandal of the Season

Beautiful Meredith Chilton-Grizedale is determined to find Philip his perfect wife. The abruptly terminated "Marriage of the Season" was going to make her reputation as the Matchmaker of Mayfair, so now it's up to her to find someone to marry the most unmarriageable man in England. Yet from the moment she meets the mysterious viscount, Meredith finds herself falling for a man she should not love. With an ominous curse over their heads, risking her life for passion would be madness indeed…

FROM THE PUBLISHER

The Wedding of the Year…

Philip Whitmore, Viscount Greybourne, has survived desert sandstorms, unearthed treasures of ancient cities, and defeated knife-wielding grave robbers. But when it comes to something as ordinary as getting married, Philip discovers that it's not so easy. He's been cursed after discovering an ancient stone tablet that dooms any woman foolish enough to marry him. Somehow, his fortune, title and dashing good looks no longer seem appealing — and his carefully selected society bride has left him at the altar. The Scandal of the Season

Beautiful Meredith Chilton-Grizedale is determined to find Philip his perfect wife. The abruptly terminated "Marriage of the Season" was going to make her reputation as the Matchmaker of Mayfair, so now it's up to her to find someone to marry the most unmarriageable man in England. Yet from the moment she meets the mysterious viscount, Meredith finds herself falling for a man she should not love. With an ominous curse over their heads, risking her life for passion would be madness indeed…

FROM THE CRITICS

Publishers Weekly