"THE BARON AND THE BLUESTOCKING," by G.G. Vandagriff, Orson Whitney Press, $8.99, 207 pages (f)
Baron Christian Elliot Shrewsbury has his "shopping list" of characteristics that make the perfect woman. Unfortunately for him, the only woman that meets all his requirements is married to his best friend, and he is quite certain he will never get over her.
In his attempts to forget about Sophie, his unrequited love, he throws his attentions into the orphanage and school for girls that he has organized in the country. Preparations for the opening of the school are going well, except when it comes to one of the teachers, Helene Whitcombe. Not only is she outspoken on her shocking feminist opinions, she's also headstrong, rude and determined to never marry. It seems that Shrewsbury and Helene can never have a conversation without offending one another and it ending in a fight.
But Shrewsbury has other things to worry about besides an outspoken feminist teacher. In an effort to help him find happiness, Shrewsbury's mother has introduced him to Lady Virginia "Ginny" Mowbray, who is not only beautiful but also would make a comfortable wife. While Shrewsbury is unsure if he can ever love again, Ginny proves to be manipulative and conniving and acts as if their marriage is a sure thing.
As the weeks go on, Shrewsbury finds himself in the company of Helene more and more often. Despite their constant fighting and outright admissions to never being able to stand each other long enough to marry, the two realize there is a strong attraction growing between them.
Mormon and Utah author G.G. Vandagriff brings another regency romance to her collection, writing in familiar characters from some of her other books. Just when the storyline of "The Baron and the Bluestocking" becomes predictable, Vandagriff throws in a surprising, page-turning twist that changes the perspective of nearly half the book.
Vandagriff does not disappoint, with delightful characters and a storyline that are sure to please regency lovers, while keeping her love stories sweet and limiting romance to kissing and longing.
Hikari Loftus is a graduate of the University of Utah.