The Duke’s Bargain (Proper Romance Regency)
An indiscretion has ruined Miss Georgiana Wood’s reputation, but when the Duke of Marlow agrees to accompany her on three outings during the Season in exchange for the return of a family heirloom, she seizes the chance to regain social acceptance. She also offers to help him find a suitable wife, but as readers of Regency romances have come to expect, this close partnership leads to a growing appreciation of each other’s attractive qualities. There are, however, barriers to be overcome before a happy resolution can be achieved, not least their own sense of insecurity.
This they conceal behind a public mask of haughty indifference, but, paradoxically, this protective measure discourages declarations of their true feelings for each other. Especially since they are so insecure. How this conundrum is resolved offers readers a valuable lesson: supportive friends and family are a great help, but in the final analysis we must learn to recognize our own failings, strive to do better, and make sacrifices to win a prize of true value. Recommended. Fourth in the Proper Romance Regency series.
