The Lady Gambles by Carole Mortimer

This is my first Carole Mortimer book --

I had first encountered Mortimer's name when I read reviews for her Notorious St. Claires series.  Then I was further intrigued when she took the same family (the St. Claires) and wrote a contemporary series for them.

When this new series was announced, I decided to give her a try.

Carole Mortimer has been writing since the 80s and has over a hundred books -- and her experience shows.  The story has a wonderful pace and consistent tone.  She's created an attractive and irresistible set of sisters and introduced 3 lords who are the right mix of rogue and gentleman.

The Lady Gambles is Caro's story -- she's the middle sister who got tired of her secluded life in Hampshire, waiting warily for the lord who will be their guardian.  She decides to take matters into her own hands and travels to London with big plans.

Her big plans get swallowed up in London and she is forced to take employment at a club.

Dominic Vaughn, Earl of Blackstone, has gained ownership of the club through a game of cards.  He has returned from his trip to Italy, surprised to see that his new employee is a woman!  And a very beautiful one at that.

Dominic knows there is more to Caro than she reveals -- and he wants to find out more.

What I liked about this book is how Mortimer is able to introduce the story of the 3 sisters (and the premise of the series) without weighing down the story of Caro and Dominic.  She was able to reveal enough about the 2 other sisters to keep her readers interested ... and wanting more.  (Like me!)

This was a well-written, nicely-focused story.  I'm glad I gave Mortimer a try.  

I'm now planning to order books 2 and 3. ^_^