London Broil

Fortysomething Laura Livingston, an expert on the libraries of British authors, has two loves: old books and delicious food. Reared by her philosopher father on the maxims of Epicurus, Laura believes in self-control and moderation, but when she travels to London on a research leave, sexy tabloid editor James Whelan has a banquet of erotic delights on the menu. Never-married Laura, a strict vegetarian, falls hard for carnivorous James, a notorious ladies' man whose seduction techniques involve an exquisite meal at Le Loup ("The Wolf"), a French restaurant where the seating arrangements are designed for lovers, and a sensuous lesson on how to smoke a cigar. Laura's research on Alexander Pope leads her to the posh Knightsbridge library of the Porteous family, and to Belmont Hall in Yorkshire during the grouse shooting. But when someone in the Porteous family is murdered and James goes after the story, Laura learns that summer love can burn as well as sizzle.London Broil will appeal to anyone who appreciates antiquarian books, gourmandise, and delicious sex. Not necessarily in that order.