It Takes Two to Tangle

Matchmaker Trilogy book 1
Sourcebooks Casablanca (September 3, 2013)
ISBN-10: 1402283997
ISBN-13: 978-1402283994

This book is not currently offered for sale. To be notified when it becomes available, sign up for my newsletter.

WOOING THE WRONG WOMAN…

Henry Middlebrook is back from fighting Napoleon, ready to re-enter London society where he left it. Wounded and battle weary, he decides that the right wife is all he needs. Selecting the most desirable lady in the ton, Henry turns to her best friend and companion to help him with his suit…

IS A TERRIBLE MISTAKE…

Young and beautiful, war widow Frances Whittier is no stranger to social intrigue. She finds Henry Middlebrook courageous and manly, unlike the foppish aristocrats she is used to, and is inspired to exercise her considerable wit on his behalf. But she may be too clever for her own good, and Frances discovers that she has set in motion a complicated train of events that’s only going to break her own heart…


Reviews

“Frances and Henry are irresistible, funny, and sexy … [It TakesTwo to Tangle is a beautifully written novel that balances laughter with healing.”
New York Times bestselling author Eloisa James for The Barnes & Noble Review

“A wonderfully crafted, character-driven romance…about acceptance, moving on and finding the strength to accept one’s limitations without allowing them to rule one’s life. It was an absolute pleasure to read.”
All About Romance, DESERT ISLE KEEPER

“I’ve read hundreds of Regency romances–this books stands out from the rest as being a singular joy to read. …It was a beautifully written story and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.”
Romancing Rakes for the Love of Romance

“[It Takes Two to Tangle] contains what I will always think of as ‘The Best Duel Scene Ever.’ …A book not to be missed. This one made me remember why historical romances are my comfort books, and I can see myself reading this one time and time again.”
Romance Novel News, RECOMMENDED READ

“An enticing, sensual historical romance that sweeps you away with its tale of second chances. … Absolutely delightful. Regency fans will not want to miss this beautifully written saga!”
Romance Junkies


About the Book

  • As a recovering English major, I think it’s fun to slip references to books I’ve loved into my own romances. The plot of It Takes Two to Tangle is loosely based on Edmond Rostand’s play Cyrano de Bergerac—though with the genders flipped. My secret letter-writer is not the hero, but the heroine, Frances.
  • Frances’s maiden name, Ward, is borrowed from Jane Austen’s Mansfield Park. In that book, Frances Ward was the maiden name of Fanny Price’s mother.
  • Learning to write left-handed becomes a plot point for the injured hero, Henry. In the days of quills and ink, switching hands was an even greater challenge than it would be for a modern-day rightie. This short video about left-handed calligraphy might give you an idea of why Henry had such a difficult time re-learning how to write.
  • For more about Henry and Frances, click over to the Extras page. There you can read love letters they exchanged after their marriage–plus other character letters and free short stories.