The English Duke: The Duke Trilogy, Book 2

Ranney’s second Duke Trilogy historical (after The Scottish Duke), set in late-19th-century England, unites a reclusive duke and an ingenious inventor. Martha York is upset that Jordan Hamilton, the Duke of Roth, hasn’t answered any of her letters. Her deceased father, Matthew, worked with the duke on a prototype torpedo and wanted Jordan to have his notes and latest prototype. Tired of waiting, Martha journeys with her spoiled sister, Josephine, and their grandmother to the duke’s home of Sedgebrook. As Martha and Jordan work together on the prototype, they discover how much they enjoy their companionable silence and collaboration. While the attraction between Jordan and Martha begins to sizzle, Josephine schemes to become the next Duchess of Sedgebrook. Jordan assumes women want him for only his title, and Martha is convinced that men won’t like her for her intellect; the believable connection between them enlivens the tale. Ranney has created a captivating story line complete with an intriguing cast of characters. (Mar.)