The Duke Buys a Bride

Jordan’s solid third Rogue Files Regency romance (after The Scandal of It All) immediately grabs readers with its historically accurate but startling premise. In small Collie-Ben, Scotland, an unhappily married man who can’t afford divorce might auction or sell his wife to another man who wants her. Alyse, up for auction, expects to be purchased by a childhood friend who promised to marry her—but he fails to show up. Marcus, the Duke of Autenberry, happens to be in town and is disgusted to find a woman up for sale. Fearing for Alyse’s potential fate, he buys her but tells her they are not married; instead, he plans to set her up as the housekeeper of his Scottish estate. However, as they travel to their new home, they find that maintaining professional distance is much more difficult than expected. Readers hoping the original concept will lead to an original plot arc are in for disappointment. However, the likable characters and well-written sensual scenes carry the day. Jordan’s enjoyable novel will keep series fans hooked. Agent: Maura E. Kye-Casella, Don Congdon Assoc. (July)