I’ve Got My Duke to Keep Me Warm

A bitter revenge scheme provides the chance for new love in Bowen’s promising debut historical. Gisele Whitby has the poor fortune to be married to Adam Le­vire, the sadistic Marquess of Valence. To escape her husband, she fakes her own death in a terrible fire in 1812 London. Four years later, she’s ready to get her revenge by discrediting the man who left her with physical and emotional scars. She hires handsome former cavalry officer James “Jamie” Montcrief, the bastard son of a duke, to help in her plot. A powerful attraction grows between Gisele and Jamie, but Gisele refuses to let her desire cloud her judgment or spoil her plans. Adam, desperate for cash, plans to marry innocent Lady Julia Hextall, daughter of the Earl of Boden. Gisele is as determined to stop the wedding as Levine is to see it through. Despite a slow start, when Bowen finally gets things moving, the pace is sure and swift. Fans of romance with a touch of suspense will enjoy the work of this new author. Agent: Stefanie Lieberman, Janklow & Nesbit Associates. (Dec.)