The Duke's Dark Secret
-
-
4.3 • 21 Ratings
-
-
- $4.99
-
- $4.99
Publisher Description
Winner of the 2024 Maggie Award- Best Published Historical Romance
Secrets, Lies, and a Lock
Ever since her father's unexpected death, Cecilia Chenoweth has felt like the heroine of a bad Gothic novel. In addition to leaving her alone and destitute, her father made a deathbed confession that it was no mere fever that took her mother's life some twenty years ago. Then he pressed a sinister key into her hands, bidding her to go forth and uncover the truth. If only she knew where to find the lock that will open to the mysterious key…
Cold, Bold, and Dangerous to Know
There is one man who recognizes the black key bearing the emblem of a snake: Marcus Latimer, the newly minted Duke of Trevissick. Now that his abusive father is rotting in hell where he belongs, Marcus is eager for his life to stop resembling a bad Gothic novel. No one would ever have thought to pair the dangerously handsome duke with the meek little rector's daughter. But as he helps Cecilia on her quest, Marcus discovers a well of passion hiding behind her sloe eyes that may just be a match for his own.
Two Hearts on a Perilous Path
But Cecilia's search for the truth about her mother's death unearths dark secrets from Marcus's past, secrets that will destroy the new life he has built for his beloved sister and condemn one of the few people he cares about to death. What will he do when he is forced to choose between loyalty… and love?
Please note that the heat level is red hot!
Customer Reviews
Fireworks
When Cecelia Chenoweth’s father leaves her destitute, she comes to live with friends. She gives piano lessons to earn a living. She has a secret crush on Marcus Latimer who has recently become the Duke of Trevissick, but she knows nothing can come of it. Marcus is so impressed by her talent at the pianoforte, he asks that she paly for his sister’s dancing lessons for her debut. Spending time together, they are becoming close. There is a little competition for Ceci, and Marcus doesn’t like it. This is a wonderful story with humor, secrets, mystery, greedy relatives, a trial, a steamy affair, and a love almost lost. The characters are very entertaining. Marcus is a rake, has a temper, is hilarious at moments, has a dark secret, and loves his sister and protects her (overprotective brother). Ceci is bright, talented, and caring. They are both tough on the outside. Aunt Griselda is a treasure. She is independent, has raised and protected Diana, and carries a blunderbuss, and is not afraid to lose it. With so much happening around them, will Marcus and Ceci find a chance for love and a future? It’s possible.
I received an ARC of this book from the author and voluntarily reviewed it.