A Duke Worth Fighting For

Blackmail throws together a widow and a soldier in Britton’s intoxicating finale to her Isle of Synne Regency series (after Someday My Duke Will Come). Margery Kitteridge receives a letter threatening to out her late husband as a deserter at Waterloo if she doesn’t pay up. She’s desperate to raise the funds but loathe to involve her wealthy family, who disapproved of her marriage. Daniel Hayle, the Duke of Carlisle, who’s heavily scarred from his own time in the war, needs an heir to protect his legacy. He accompanies his mother to the charming Isle of Synne hoping to find a wife without having to endure the gossip and gawking his scars would draw during a season in London. There he meets Margery, who’s declared she will never remarry, but offers to play matchmaker to the upstanding but socially awkward Daniel in exchange for the funds she needs. Soon, however, their intense mutual attraction and easy friendship distracts them from their goals. But can Margery let go of the guilt she feels for moving on from her first husband to claim her second chance? The central couple radiates strength and sweetness, and Daniel’s endearing shyness is sure to make readers swoon. This is a knockout. Agent: Kim Lionetti, Bookends Literary. (Aug.)