Brainy, beautiful heroines are romance fan favorites, especially when their intelligence seduces the hero every bit as much as their lovely face. Who doesn’t love quick wit wrapped in a pretty package? These are our favorite romances with brilliant, mystery-solving leading ladies. 

A DARING MASQUERADE
Lord of Lies is the third entry in the Fallen Ladies series from Wisconsin author Amy Sandas. When her sister is kidnapped, beautiful debutante Portia Chadwick seeks help from the mysterious man known as Nightshade.

Dell Turner grew up on the streets of London and earns his living helping clients with impossible situations. His persona as Nightshade is only one of his many artful disguises, and no one has ever seen past the illusion. Much to his shock, Lady Portia has an uncanny ability to recognize him, no matter the clever makeup and acting ability. He knows there’s no future between a highborn lady and a man of low birth whose work often skirts the edges of legality. Nevertheless, Dell finds Portia’s bravery, honesty, intelligence and beauty an irresistible lure. He believes their association will be brief, and they will soon part ways without harm to either of them.

Portia is equally intrigued and fascinated by the aura of danger that surrounds Dell. When her sister returns, Portia convinces Dell to extend their contract and investigate further, for her gut instinct tells her all is not yet safe with her world. Dell has never worked with a client who insists on being a part of his investigation, but Portia quickly proves an asset. When their inquiries unveil a shocking development, Dell fears allowing Portia to assist him may lead to her death. Can he keep her in his life, knowing she’s endangered? And how can Portia return to the placid life of society soirees after falling in love with the dangerous Nightshade and his shadowy world?

The plot twists are intriguing, and the details of both upper-class London and its gritty underbelly are fascinating, but it is the riveting characters that drive this excellent historical romance. Both Dell and Portia are passionate, honorable and stubborn; they are also uniquely, unexpectedly perfect for each other.

CRACKING THE CODE
New York Times bestselling author Julie Garwood returns to the world of the FBI with Wired. Allison Trent is a computer genius. Most people notice her beauty first and miss the amazing brain behind the pretty face. FBI agent Liam Scott isn’t one of those people—he seeks out Allison for her computer hacking skills. When she agrees to work with him to expose a mole inside his department, Liam knows he should lock down the attraction he feels for her. But he quickly learns that denying his feelings is easier said than done.

Their relationship grows steadily stronger and hotter, but as they search for the mole, the two soon discover that Allison is in danger. Is it the person that leaked confidential FBI information? Or is her would-be assassin someone from her rocky personal life? Her cousin is a criminal, her alcoholic uncle and his wife hate her, and her ex-roommate is trying to sell a unique computer program he stole from Allison.

This excellent romantic suspense novel nails every twist, turn and surprise. The romance between the genius heroine and brave hero is sometimes tender, always endearing and sizzles with sexual tension.

MATHEMATICIAN + DUKE
Academic librarian and author Manda Collins returns readers to Beauchamp House, England and the Studies in Scandal series in Duke With Benefits. Lady Daphne Forsyth is a brilliant mathematician and particularly adept at solving puzzles. She’s one of four uniquely talented young women who have inherited the estate of an independent woman who valued their intelligence. Daphne was instructed by the late owner to solve a puzzle and find the legendary Cameron Cypher, which is rumored to lead the finder to great riches. She’s continually distracted, however, by handsome Dalton Beauchamp, the Duke of Maitland. Dalton is entranced by the intelligent, blunt and outspoken Daphne, whose beauty is only exceeded by her amazing intellect. Daphne is equally attracted to Dalton, but her experience with her callous, dissipated father has her convinced that marriage is not for her. She wants to seduce the duke—he wants to marry her. 

The couple appears at an impasse, but when a man is murdered in the library, Dalton is determined to solve the case, keep Daphne safe and help her find the Cameron Cypher. Neither anticipate just how difficult it will be to unravel the tangled web of deception and intrigue that threatens their very lives. Unmasking a killer and surviving will take all their combined wit and wisdom.

The Regency setting of the novel comes alive with historical detail, and Collins enhances the mystery plot with interesting twists. The hero and heroine seem an unlikely pair on the surface but in truth are a perfect match. Daphne has a genius IQ but lacks people skills, and Dalton is a model of gracious extroversion. And while intelligent, he is not a prodigy like Daphne. The genuine affection between the two is tender, and the sexual tension is smoldering. Duke with Benefits has all the elements romance readers love.

Lois Dyer writes from her home in Port Orchard, Washington.

It’s Private Eye July at BookPage! All month long, we’re celebrating the sinister side of fiction with the year’s best mysteries and thrillers. Look for the Private Eye July magnifying glass for a daily dose of murder, espionage and all those creepy neighbors with even creepier secrets.

Have you ever contemplated being rich and famous? Dreamed of walking a red carpet or seeing your face featured on Page Six? All that attention sounds glamorous, right? Perhaps it would be a dream come true and a wonderful experience, but in the book duet we’ve chosen for you this month, fame and fortune complicate our couples’ chances of happy ever after to an amazing degree. Can lovers find happiness with the world watching their every move? Let’s find out . . .

MUTUALLY BENEFICIAL MARRIAGE
Former fashion designer K.M. Jackson closes out her Unconventional Brides series with The Betting Vow. Supermodel Leila Darling is ready to move on from print ads and runway modeling. After a small part in a movie earns her critical acclaim, she’s energized and determined to focus on her acting career. A recently broken engagement, however, has only contributed to her reputation as a high-maintenance party girl. Handsome TV executive Carter Bain has had a crush on Leila Darling since the first time he saw the beautiful model in a print ad, and he wants to sign her for a sitcom on his network. When Leila’s manager introduces them at a party in Las Vegas, the two find themselves sharing drinks and playing poker, which results in an unconventional agreement—a six-month marriage.

Leila and Carter’s marriage of convenience is supposed to be good for both of their careers and neither expects love out of the deal. Except–the spark between them was undeniably strong since their first meeting. Can they share an apartment and keep their relationship platonic? It’s clear they have much in common, but is there any chance their business arrangement could end in true love? If they lay their hearts on the line and gamble on forever, do they really have a chance at living happily ever after?

There is much to enjoy in this novel, from the slow burn of growing affection that adds heat to an already powerful physical connection, to the cast of very likeable family and friends who support the couple. The background setting in the TV and modeling world add color to a plot driven by an engaging couple. Leila is smart, strong and perfectly balanced by the stable, wise and eminently sigh-worthy Carter. Romance readers will love this story.

HER BIGGEST FAN
The first full-length novel in her Montana Heat series, Jennifer Ryan’s Escape To You is a thrilling, heartwarming love story. The world believes that Oscar-winning actress Ashley Swan walked away from fame to find a more peaceful life. The reality is that Ashley was kidnaped by a man she thought was a friend and held hostage, tortured and imprisoned for nearly a year. Finally, her captor accidentally leaves her cell door ajar and Ashley escapes, taking her four-year-old fellow prisoner with her. She flees into the Montana wilderness with a full blown blizzard looming, knowing full well there’s little chance they’ll survive, but that even death is better than what they leave behind. Fate has other plans for Ashley and little Adam, however, for she stumbles across the isolated home of DEA agent Beck Cooke. Beck takes her and the child in, keeping them safe while they work out a plan to bring the sadistic madman to justice.

Slowly, despite the trauma she’s endured, Ashley begins to trust Beck. But before they can plan a future together, they will have to stop the madman stalking Ashley. Her kidnapper wants her back and he’s prepared to kill anyone who stands in his way. Will Ashley and Beck ever be safe from the danger that threatens them and the little boy they’ve both grown to love?

This romantic suspense novel is a riveting, nonstop roller coaster ride. The villain is supremely evil, the hero is wonderfully noble and the heroine is strong and beautiful inside and out. Readers will hold their breath during nail-biting danger and cheer with delight when these two damaged, good-hearted people fall in love. If you only have time to read one contemporary suspense novel this fall, pick this one—it doesn’t disappoint on any level.

Lois Dyer writes from her home in Port Orchard, Washington.

In the prim and proper world of the British aristocracy, strict rules govern every interaction. But what happens when a lord or lady throws caution to the wind, and ignores all the dictates of propriety? Fabulously indiscreet romances are the result and we’ve chosen three of the best for your enjoyment this month.

THE LADY'S CHAMPION
Shana Galen launches her new series, The Survivors, with Third Son’s A Charm. Handsome, brooding Ewan Mostyn is the third son of the Earl of Pembroke. Estranged from his family after an abusive childhood, Ewan is fiercely loyal to his unit of fellow soldiers, known as Draven’s Dozen. The unit, entirely made up of nobility’s superfluous younger sons, bonded during the war and now each is struggling to adapt to civilian life back in London. Ewan’s work as a bouncer at a gambling club earns him a reputation, which brings him to the notice of the Duke of Ridlington.

The Duke’s daughter, Lady Lorraine Ridlington, is determined to marry a man her parents do not approve of. As it happens, her would-be suitor, Francis Mostyn, is also Ewan’s despised cousin. The prospect of Francis charming the pretty young woman out of her dowry is too much for Ewan to ignore. So he agrees to become a bodyguard—and Lorrie immediately begins plotting to thwart both her father and Ewan by evading them and finding a way to marry Francis.

Lorrie talks—a lot—while Ewan is so stoic that he barely talks at all. But before long, these two seemingly disparate people discover they have much in common. Lorrie begins to see more in Ewan than a handsome face and brawny muscles, while Ewan learns Lorrie has a sharp brain and kind heart in addition to her very pretty exterior.

Third Son’s a Charm is a rare treat. However, it is the honorable, charming and endearing Ewan and Lorrie who are the real stars here. While each is engaging in their own right, together they make up the perfect romantic couple.

A CINDERELLA STORY
Olivia Drake concludes her popular Cinderella Sisterhood series with The Scandalous Flirt. Once the darling of London society, Aurora Paxton caused a scandal when she was caught kissing a gentleman. This youthful misdeed resulted in her banishment to the country. She loves her eccentric Aunt Bernice, but misses her young stepsister and the wider world of bustling city life. Her quiet life changes drastically when a mysterious lady arrives on her doorstep and informs Aurora that her stepmother is being blackmailed and desperately needs her help to uncover the villain. Aurora’s stepsister is currently engaged to a duke and a potential scandal would ruin all her plans. Aurora reluctantly agrees, for her beloved stepsister’s sake. The mysterious lady gifts Aurora with a lovely pair of red silk dancing slippers, and departs.

Aurora arrives in London to find her stepmother as difficult as she remembered, while her stepsister has grown into a lovely young woman. Aurora is shocked to learn the man suspected of blackmail is none other than Lucas Vale, Marquess of Dashell. She met Lucas eight years earlier and even danced with him at a ball. Lucas can hardly believe Aurora Paxton is back in London. He’s never forgotten the dance he shared with Rory eight years earlier but he’s not a fan of young ladies who indulge in scandalous behavior. When Rory confesses her stepmother suspects him of blackmailing her, Lucas is furious. Still, it’s in his best interest to help her solve the case and they join forces. Both try to deny the powerful attraction between them—both are unsuccessful. Thrown together as they play detective and follow clues, it’s difficult to remember all the reasons they can never be together. Will they give up everything to be together? Or will scandal and family tear them apart?

With an intriguing plot, vivid descriptions of Regency England, and a brave hero and wise heroine to cheer for, this excellent novel is sure to keep readers fully absorbed.

ACCIDENTALLY FAMOUS
Eloisa James launches a new series, The Wildes of Lindow Castle, with Wilde In Love. Handsome, brilliant Lord Alaric Wilde spent several years traveling the world. He published books of his adventures and unbeknownst to him, those tales have made him a celebrity in England. Hordes of women sigh, dream of him and clutch engravings of his portrait to their bosoms. Upon his return to England, Alaric is stunned and appalled to learn he’s famous and quickly flees to his family’s estate in Cheshire.

Miss Willa Ffynche is a guest at the Wilde family castle and although she’s never been a besotted fan of the adventurer, she’s curious to meet him. Both Willa and Alaric are intrigued yet wary of the other, each recognizing an attraction. On her part, Willa knows her very private nature is at odds with Alaric’s very public persona. He will always be famous; she will always crave quiet surroundings. Still, neither can deny there is more than physical desire drawing them. Soon, Alaric openly acknowledges he wants more than friendship from Willa but, smart woman that she is, she refuses his attempts to lure her into romance. When someone from Alaric’s past threatens Willa’s safety, Alaric must risk his life to keep her safe. Faced with the possibility of losing him forever, Willa must confront her fears and decide whether her need for privacy can survive Alaric’s fame.

Alaric and Willa are utterly charming. Their seemingly polar-opposite character traits make for amusing, witty dialogue and James vividly portrays the earthy, witty world of Georgian England. Readers are certain to cheer for this couple and eagerly await the next entry in The Wildes of Lindow Castle.

Lois Dyer writes from her home in Port Orchard, Washington.

It’s a new year, and we’re excited to share three terrific contemporary romances for those looking for something a little different. If you’re ready to branch out from the sweet small-town tales so common to the genre, look no further.

BURNING DOWN THE HOUSE
First up is Promise Not to Tell by Jayne Ann Krentz. The master of romantic suspense has set her latest novel in moody, rainy Seattle, a setting that perfectly suits her central mystery. Art gallery owner Virginia Troy and private investigator Cabot Sutter shared a horrific experience as children. Their mothers were members of a cult whose charismatic, sociopathic leader burned the compound down and disappeared. Both of their mothers died that night, and Virginia and Cabot barely escaped with their lives. Both were left with memories that scarred them.

When Virginia’s client and fellow survivor commits suicide, she turns to Cabot’s detective agency for help. She’s not convinced her artist’s death was truly a suicide. Cabot joins her to seek the truth, but they’ve barely begun the investigation when a woman is murdered in Virginia’s art gallery, someone breaks into her condo, and shots are fired at Cabot. As the level of danger ratchets higher, Virginia and Cabot search for answers while dealing with a growing attraction that draws them ever closer. Just as both begin to hope for a future together, the monster from their childhood threatens them once again. Is it possible the cult leader is alive and well—and has returned to finish what he started all those years ago? And if he’s back, will Virginia and Cabot survive?

Krentz dives into sociopathic psychology and complex characterization to great effect in this twisty story, whose plot clips along at a terrific pace. Readers will look forward to the third novel in this ongoing series of books connected through the Cutler, Sutter & Salinas detective agency and the destroyed cult.

RED CARPET ROMANCE
Stacey Kade delivers Starlight Nights, a riveting novel set in the world of Hollywood. Twenty-two-year-old Calista Beckett is desperately trying to move on from her early fame, her manager mother’s obsessive control and her career-destroying personal mistakes. When Eric Stone, the man she’s loved since she was 16, shows up on campus, she just wants him to go away. But Eric knows her too well. He knows that she belongs in the movie industry, and he’s willing to do whatever it takes to get her to sign on for a web series he’s filming. Under pressure from her mother, Calista agrees. The acting gig is only for two weeks over the Thanksgiving holiday. What could go wrong? Apparently, everything.

Thrust back into the world she once fled, Calista struggles to deal with her controlling mother’s demands for money, her unresolved feelings for Eric and her desperate need to gain independence. Given how much baggage both she and Eric are carrying after suffering through horrible parents and the pressures of fame, is there any hope this second chance will end well? Or are they doomed to drift apart, separated from the one person who truly understands and loves them?

This emotionally compelling story is simply wonderful Watching Calista and Eric fight to gain independence from manipulative parents and to find the courage to fully commit to loving each other makes for a marvelous read. Readers should prepare to be fully absorbed in the novel’s world—and to stay up all night reading.

RUNAWAY BRIDE
Rachel Gibson returns to the world of sports with The Art of Running in Heels. Lexie Kowalsky is the daughter of a legendary hockey great who now coaches the Chinooks, Seattle’s professional hockey team. When Lexie wins a “Bachelor”-esque reality show, she realizes at the last minute that she can’t go through with the televised wedding. Still dressed in her poufy wedding dress, frothy veil and sparkly stiletto heels, she climbs aboard a friend’s charter plane leaving Seattle for Sandspit, Canada.

Already on the plane when the pilot stuffs Lexie and her dress inside, the Chinooks’ newest star player, Sean Knox, recognizes the gorgeous blonde instantly. He also knows he needs to keep his hands far away from the coach’s daughter. Lexie doesn’t recognize Sean—not on the plane when she asks him to help her unbutton her dress and he rips it off, not when she meets and befriends his hypochondriac mother, not even when they give in to mutual lust at her motel room. In fact, it isn’t until after they part ways the next morning that Lexie discovers Sean’s identity.

Furious, she demands he aid her in rescuing her reputation and business, which tanked after her runaway-bride act. Sean agrees to go along with her plan, partly because he doesn’t want trouble with her father and partly because he wants to spend time with her. The plan requires them to pretend to be in love to spite the media, and before long, the acting begins to feel all too real. When Lexie realizes she’s in love with the handsome, gruff hockey player, will Sean realize that he loves her, too? Or will he walk away from the best thing that’s ever happened to him?

This book is a delight, with laugh-out-loud moments and a hot romance between quirky, smart Lexie and hunky, equally intelligent Sean. Readers will cheer for this couple and thoroughly enjoy watching them battle their way to a happy ending.

Lois Dyer writes from her home in Port Orchard, Washington.

Summer is here, and that means ’tis the season for fun, sexy reads you can take to the beach, the back porch or your dream vacation spot. This trio of fresh, fast-paced romance offerings couldn’t be more different from one another, and they are all standouts of the genre—so they’re sure to steam up your summer and keep the season exciting.

LAW AND ORDER
Henry Garrison has earned infamy and the nickname “Monster of Manhattan” due to his ruthless style in the courtroom and his media-documented personal demons. When he retreats to his cherished childhood home in Martha’s Vineyard for some solitude, the last thing he’s expecting is the beautiful, vibrant Win Hughes who—quite literally—topples into his broken world.

Win is everything Henry is missing. She is kind, vivacious and drop-dead stunning to boot. Beyond all that, she is emerging from her own battle that has left her scarred and vulnerable. Win and Henry are two of a kind, and the spark between them grows quickly to a blaze, until they mutually choose to stifle it in favor of moving on.

However, Win is not who Henry believes she is, and her past soon comes to light when her best friend is murdered at a very public celebrity function. Win needs a lawyer, and she knows just where to turn. Now Henry must come to terms with her new identity and what it means for the two of them.

Order of Protection is a fresh, expertly crafted novel that deftly walks the line between a good mystery and a mouthwatering romance. That is to be expected from an author like Lexi Blake, one of the most prolific and accomplished authors of the genre, who has a series for every taste, fantasy and desire.

What makes this novel a standout, however, is the constant innovation present in the story and in the chemistry between the leading couple. Every moment they share is taut but genuine, and never over-simplified or trite. The pace is engaging—this is as much a murder mystery as it is a love story. It takes a truly excellent writer to develop endearing characters that feel like real people, never mere plot devices. Pick up Order of Protection to make those long, lazy summer days sizzle.

SMALL-TOWN SWEETHEARTS
The best romance novels star the most unexpected protagonists, and a PTA mom is about as unexpected as it gets. The latest installment in the Hellcat Canyon novels, The First Time at Firelight Falls envelops readers in the kind of everyday love we all dream about, while elevating stakes and heart rates alike.

Eden Harwood has been juggling motherhood, a career and her family for the blissful 10 years since her daughter, Annelise, was born. As her life stabilizes and she and Annelise learn together what happiness looks like, Eden can’t imagine adding one more thing to her to-do list. Except, of course, for Gabe Caldera, her daughter’s mouthwatering ex-Navy SEAL principal.

Gabe is equally drawn to Eden, and he soon makes it clear that he wants to be part of the gorgeous redhead’s life. Unfortunately, new love is delicate, and it isn’t long before a figure from Eden’s past comes into the picture, forcing her to re-evaluate her own happiness, her daughter’s and that of her newfound beau.

What makes The First Time at Firelight Falls truly unique is author Julie Anne Long’s sparkling voice. The tone is light and sassy (Long is genuinely hilarious), the writing is insightful, and the whole novel is infused with important lessons on how vital it is to fill our lives with love from all sources—family, friends and, yes, lovers. Side note: This is the first romance novel I have ever read that made me go, “Oh, this was written by a woman, and thank God for that.” The ego trips and male posturing of the men in Eden’s life are punctured by some truly hilarious jokes, and are not tolerated or glorified for one moment.

Long ordinarily writes sumptuous historical romances, and her Hellcat Canyon books are a delicious foray into the contemporary side of the genre. The First Time at Firelight Falls is a fresh, funny, essential read for the summer bookshelf of the everyday romantic.

HIGHLAND FLING
A good romance novel gives its readers a great atmosphere, and Laird of the Black Isle proves the point flawlessly. Paula Quinn’s latest novel of the Highlands sweeps readers into a high-stakes encounter between a cold, formidable nobleman and a tempestuous young woman.

Since tragedy befell his family, Lachlan MacKenzie has needed nobody and nothing. He is a mystery to his people and takes comfort in the solitary existence he has carefully constructed for himself. That is, until he receives word that he may have a chance to right the wrongs of his past. All he has to do is kidnap a young woman of the MacGregor clan—an easy mission for a warrior like Lachlan.

Or so he believes, until he takes Mailie MacGregor hostage and gets far, far more than he bargained for. Mailie is breathtakingly beautiful, with a fierce spirit to match. She resolves to fight her captor with everything she has and to return home to her loved ones as quickly as possible. The longer the two of them are together, however, the more Mailie finds that her Highland kidnapper may not be the only one who’s caught off guard.

Quinn is well-seasoned in the art of the Highland romance novel. Her books are lush, detailed and irresistibly sexy. Laird of the Black Isle features one of the most engaging heroines of the genre, but more than the fiery, lovable characters, this story makes readers really and truly care. Almost every character here is deeply devoted to their family, and this theme lends the narrative a warm, engaging depth. A small note for those looking to devour this book the way I did: Because Quinn is incredibly dedicated to authenticity, this book is written phonetically. Words are spelled as they sound in a Scottish accent, and this particular detail may take some getting used to. But for anyone yearning after a summer read that’s hotter than the temperature outside, look no further than Laird of the Black Isle.