Mark of Distinction (Price of Privilege)
Jessica has survived her mother’s death, narrowly avoided being exiled to Scotland by her guardian, dealt with the fact that her childhood sweetheart has taken vows in the same church that vilified her atheist father, and successfully juggled the affections of the very dark and dangerous Chance Macy. Now, just when it seems she might be able to catch her breath, Jessica is forced to accept an offer of protection from Lord Roy Pierson. Assuming the role of Lord Pierson’s daughter, Julia arrives in London, where she quickly becomes the talk of the town as the Emerald Heiress. On the surface, it would seem that Julia’s new life is nothing less than perfect, but she knows that she is nothing more than a powerless pawn caught up in a dangerous game of intrigue being play by her father and his political opponents. Dotta picks up the action right where the story left off in Born in ­Persuasion (2013), delivering another seductive serving of richly gothic atmosphere, suspense, and tangled relationships. --John Charles