In a thoroughly satisfying entry in the Difficult Dukes series (following A Duke in Shining Armor), acclaimed historical romance author Loretta Chase gives readers a stand-alone tale with a duo to adore. Lady Cassandra deGriffith is firmly on the shelf at age 29 and happily determined to remain so. Lucius Beckingham, the Duke of Ashmont, is frittering away his days with too much alcohol and wild escapades. Cassandra is an independent, outspoken lady; Lucius is very much an infamous, goodhearted rakehell. When one of his escapades accidentally injures Cassandra's longtime bodyguard, scandal looms, and the seemingly mismatched couple get caught up in a devious scheme to avoid social disaster. In a plot to foil society gossips, the two begin a pretend courtship, aided and abetted by his approving uncle and her reluctant father.
Lucius realizes shortly after their initial contretemps that Cassandra is an unexpected and undeserved gem. He wants a real marriage, but Cassandra is wary, for the duke has a truly shocking reputation. What are the chances he's reformed? Nevertheless, the two try their best to show the world they're enjoying a proper courtship. However, as Lucius bluntly declares, they both tend to act in an outrageous manner that flouts society's rules. Despite their best efforts, things are bound to go off the rails at some point.
This joyous romp will delight readers with its impeccable period setting, as well as its delicious dialogue in a duel of wits between a heroine of unquestionable character and a man with unexpected depths and ingenuity. --Lois Faye Dyer, writer and reviewer