When You Give a Duke a Diamond

Galen (The Rogue Pirate’s Bride) launches a Regency series centered on a trio of famous courtesans who are not all they seem. Things start to go badly for Juliette, the scandalously divorced “Duchess of Dalliance,” when she’s falsely linked to the socially powerful but emotionally cold duke of Pelham. An intruder threatens to kill her if she doesn’t locate missing diamonds, and she later sees the same villain murder the duke’s fiancée. Pelham’s nobility forces him to ignore Juliette’s scandalous profession and accept her plea for protection, but he finds the true Juliette is nothing like he expected as they search for the diamonds and face jeopardy from all sides. Tinged with danger and darkness, Galen’s sexy and dramatic story has depth thanks to appealing characters with realistic problems and believable chemistry. The unconventional heroine gives a fresh twist that adds complexity while still treating romance fans to the lush glitter of mansions and ballrooms. Agent: Joanna MacKenzie, Browne & Miller Literary Associates. (Sept.)