The Union of the Rakes series ends with the exhilarating escapades of a widow and a soldier.At 46, Beatrice Sloane, the Dowager Countess of Farris, wants to finally explore the joys and pleasures she missed out on during her marriage. She's eager to attend a weeklong bacchanal where she can participate in "utter, filthy debauchery." As a favor to a friend, Maj. Duncan McCameron is accompanying Lady Farris on the journey to make sure she arrives safely, and then he has plans to begin a new job. He's been feeling adrift in peacetime and is hopeful a career focus will provide him with a sense of purpose. This jaunt is meant to serve as a short holiday for him, but Lady Farris' spontaneity is antithetical to his need for routine and order. What was supposed to be a straightforward trip ends up involving carriage destruction, outdoor sleeping, an unlawful dance, and, most unexpectedly, fiery passion that turns into love. This adventure-story romance has a big heart and a madcap plot just like Ferris Bueller's Day Off and Footloose, the 1980s films it drew inspiration from. The older heroine is refreshing, and her sexual journey is satisfying and oh-so-sensual. A secondary romance between two male characters is beautifully sweet. The more outlandish parts of the plot sometimes feel too silly, but the characters' connections and emotions always feel grounded in truth.This road trip is worth taking.

Rigid, rule-following ex-soldier Duncan McCameron meets his match in spontaneous Beatrice Sloane, the Dowager Countess of Farris, in the winning final romance of Leigh-s Union of the Rakes series (after Would I Lie to the Duke). Duncan-s employer, the Duke of Rotherby, tasks him with escorting Lady Beatrice on her trip to Nottinghamshire, where, unbeknownst to both men, she plans to enjoy the freedom of her newfound widowhood by attending an orgy. Though he-s aware of Beatrice-s impetuous nature, Duncan expects an uneventful outing. But Beatrice, 12 years Duncan-s senior, is determined to have an adventure-though her carriage falling into a ravine, battling with thieves, and pretending to be married out of necessity wasn-t what she had in mind. Through these misadventures, Beatrice-s wit, curiosity, and candor coax Duncan into loosening up while Duncan-s strength, calm demeanor, and measured decisions make Beatrice feel secure-and, eventually, desired-for the first time. Though the tense situations add urgency to the budding romance, the relationship itself is based on a foundation of genuine connection and sincere emotional bonding. With this venturesome Regency, Leigh sends the series out on a high note. Agent: Kevan Lyon, Marsal Lyon Literary. (Feb.)