The handsome earl of Storrington gambles to win Lord Candover’s nubile niece, Jacobin, in Neville’s spicy Regency romance debut. Jacobin de Chastelux dresses up as Jacob Leon and runs away to escape Storrington’s suit, winding up as a cook. When she is set upon by thugs, it is Storrington who rescues what he thinks is a strangely attractive boy and hires “him” as his personal pastry chef. Then someone attempts to poison Candover, setting up Jacobin to take the fall. Lust swiftly turns to trust as Jacobin tries to find the poisoner while Storrington struggles with his dying father’s hatred of Candover. Neville throws disguises, secrets and vows of vengeance in the way of true love. Though she relies heavily on coincidence, the byplay between the hero and heroine is genuine, lusty and fun. (Mar.)