Dear Author: Romance Book Reviews, Author Interviews, and Commentary

Dear Ms. Alexander:

One thing that continually frustrates me in romance is the idea that readers will only find one type of male heroic. To wit, that only the alpha male, stern and unyielding, can make the loins aquiver and her heart to pitter pat. This is why the Duke is such a popular role as is the spy or the soldier because these men are not known for their smiling countenances, nor does he require great wit, a friendly mien or modulated voice.

From the romance novel stock shelves, the alpha male is tall, broad shouldered, generally dark haired, of grim coutenance. Surly demeanor optional for an extra $9.99. It is actually a bright spot to open a book and find a hero of a different caliber and that is what I thought I was getting after the introduction to Seduction of a Proper Gentleman. Oliver, you tell us, is a romantic. In the tontine created by his friends to see who would be the last of man standing, Oliver was sure it would not be him. He was ready to marry and to start a family. …

Dear Ms. Alexander:

I can't recall the last book I had read of yours so it's as if you are a new to me author. I can see why you are popular because your books provide the comfort of the familiar with a dash of the funny. For me, though, the plot and characters were a bit too familiar and the love story, based on deception, never rang true.

Four male friends form a tontine to see who will escape marriage the longest. I admit it. I emitted a long groan after reading the prologue because the club of men who wager against marriage seems a bit tired. This hero believes he will be the last man standing as he is DETERMINED not to marry which, of course, sounds the death knell of his bachelorhood. American Daniel Sinclair is in Britain to solidify railroad deals that will ultimately make him very wealthy and suddenly finds himself promised to Lady Cordelia Bannister.

Daniel's father wants to combine his shipping empire with an old and titled family. The Earl of Marsham needs a big cash infusion. Up to this point, Marsham has been indulgent with his daughter, Cordelia, paying …