The Duke Who Loved Me
-
-
3.6 • 70 Ratings
-
-
- $11.99
Publisher Description
Fans of Bridgerton will fall in love with this sparkling Regency romance from bestselling author Jane Ashford featuring:
•A duke accustomed to getting his own way
•A lady determined to teach him a thing or two about love
•Delicious opposites-attract romance
•Glittering detail and banter
First in a new series!
James Cantrell, the new Duke of Tereford, has inherited a dukedom in disarray and is overwhelmed by his unaccustomed responsibilities. Then he gets an idea. Cecelia Vainsmede served as liaison between James and her father, and she knows a great deal about business matters, his own in particular. She's also quite pretty. Ever the pragmatist, he suggests a marriage of convenience.
Cecelia has always been good at working with James, but she doesn't understand how he can be so obtuse. He clearly doesn't realize that he's the duke she's always wished for, or that his offer is an insult. But when a German prince arrives in London and immediately sets out to woo Cecelia, James will have to come to terms with what he really feels for her. Is running away worth the cost of losing her, or will the duke dare to win her once and for all?
Praise for Jane Ashford's historical romances:
"Humor, drama, mystery, romance, intrigue, and a surprising ending. I can't wait to read the other books in the series."—Harlequin Junkie Top Pick for How to Cross a Marquess
"[A]n irresistibly sweet literary confection."—Booklist for Earl to the Rescue
"Filled with wit and charm."—Fresh Fiction for Nothing Like a Duke
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Ashford (the Duke's Sons series) launches her Duke's Estates series with an effervescent Regency showing how long-term friendship can blossom into love. After James Cantrell inherits the title of Duke of Tereford, he's distressed to discover that the ducal townhouse in London is almost uninhabitable, filled with clutter hoarded by the previous duke. Deciding he needs a wife "to set his house to rights," he determines that Cecelia Vainsmede, a friend he's relied on to clean up his messes since their meeting 13 years ago, is the right woman for the job. But self-respecting Cecelia turns down his less-than-romantic proposal, as she harbors genuine feelings for James that she believes he doesn't return. Then Prince Karl von Osterberg arrives in London and Cecelia piques his interest, sparking a jealousy in James that leaves him determined to woo her. When the courtship between Prince Karl and Cecelia goes awry and the prince spreads nasty rumors that threaten her reputation, James swoops in to the rescue, proposing yet again, but this time hoping Cecilia will return his feelings. The slow-burning romance is enhanced by the witty dialogue and the strong personalities of both leads. This makes an excellent start to the series.
Customer Reviews
The Duke who loved me
Always a good read from Ms Ashford. The worst part — waiting for the next book to come out.