Buckthorne's Secret

Is a man's birthright the most important thing in life, or should he chase the ghosts of his past…

Evan Harcourt Richard Hubley—or Captain Buckthorne to those who know him well—is the true heir to the recently deceased Duke of Bettington. Home to England from a series of unfortunate events that kept him away, he has two objectives while in London. One, claim his title and assume the ducal role, and two, kill his half-brother who ensured in a few different ways that he would meet a fatal end so he could take that same title.

Miss Hannah Ulrich, youngest child of Baron Farnbrook, took a decidedly different path than her sisters. When she wasn't snapped up by suitors in any of the several Seasons given to her, she took things into her own hands by becoming a sought-after mistress. Men might not have wanted her due to her low position in the ton, but they certainly want her now for her skills in the bedroom as well as for her sage advice. Except that life has paled and she needs something more meaningful.

One rainy night, Buckthorne, bloodstained and bruised, is dumped on the doorstep of a familiar townhouse. When his former mistress answers his knock, they're both shocked. Immediately, heated desire engulfs them as forced proximity bedevils them. But helping Buckthorne reclaim his birthright proves dangerous, and the secrets they each keep can destroy a budding second chance romance. As time runs out for him to rise as the duke, truths come into sharp focus, forcing him to decide what he wants for his life, despite long-held beliefs. Everything can change with one command if he has the courage to give it.

…if it means finding again what was once lost?