Dukes Are Forever

Harrington’s emotionally gripping Regency-era debut, which launches the Secret Life of Scoundrels series, is ripe with drama and sizzling romance. Stephen Westover, Duke of Strathmore, was killed when Phillip Benton drunkenly raced his phaeton directly into the path of Stephen’s carriage. Stephen’s brother, Edward, inherits the dukedom and demands that Benton sign over all of his possessions in recompense for Stephen’s death. After agreeing to become guardian to Benton’s daughter, Katherine, Edward is surprised when he discovers that she is not a child but a beautiful woman. The physical attraction between Edward and Katherine is evident from their first meeting, and Edward soon begins to admire Katherine for her unusual devotion to her servants and her determination to medically assist the residents of the nearby village. But as they start to trust each other, unfortunate circumstances force them apart. The complex relationship between Edward and Katherine is intense and skillfully written, complete with plenty of romantic angst that propels the novel swiftly forward. This new author is definitely one to watch. Agent: Sarah Younger, Nancy Yost Literary Agency. (Dec.)