The Art of Duke Hunting

In Nash’s highly entertaining second Royal Entourage Regency (after Between the Duke and the Deep Blue Sea), a cursed duke evades his date with death. Roman Montagu, the 17th duke of Norwich, expects to die young, as have the previous 16 dukes. Lady Esme March, countess of Derby, rescues him from being swept overboard in a storm and soothes him in a most intimate manner. Both Esme and Roman are stunned by their encounter, and he feels duty-bound to offer her marriage. While she initially refuses, circumstances beyond their control force the couple together again, and they must decide whether to embrace their mutual search for independence or open their hearts to the possibility of love. Esme is an immensely admirable heroine, her innate kindness and talent for creating magnificent art more than overcoming her “plain” looks. Nash creates intense romantic tension between multidimensional characters to keep the pages turning. Agent: Helen Breitweiser, Cornerstone Literary Agency. (Apr.)