Marry in Scarlet

An arrogant duke changes his ways in Gracie’s alluring fourth Marriage of Convenience romance (after Marry in Secret). Freespirited Lady Georgiana “George” Rutherford has no desire to be married, but that only makes her more appealing to Redmond “Hart” Hartley, Duke of Everingham, who sees her independent nature as an opportunity to gain a wife and an heir while still maintaining his bachelor lifestyle. He attempts to trap George into marriage by kissing her where he knows they’ll be discovered, but it’s only when Hart’s mother tricks George by pretending to be on her deathbed that George agrees to the proposal. It’s his mother’s horrible behavior that finally makes Hart see that he too has behaved abominably; he offers to release George from their betrothal, but it’s too late. Married life is different than either of them expected, leading them both to reevaluate just how independent they hope to be. Though Hart’s redemptive path toward viewing George with love and respect is satisfying to witness, his early behavior will turn off some readers before he can get there. Still, George is an admirable heroine and the chemistry between her and Hart is magnetic. Series devotees will be satisfied by this emotional Regency. Agent: Nancy Yost, Nancy Yost Literary. (June)