Would I Lie to the Duke

June 8, 2020
Complex, witty characters with strong bonds and big hearts enliven the seductive first Union of the Rakes romance from Leigh (the London Underground series). When paid companion Jessica McGale’s employer is incapacitated by an injury, Jessica uses the extra free time (and her employer’s wardrobe) to gain entry into London’s annual Bazaar, five days during which genteel entrepreneurs can present their enterprises to investors, hoping she’ll be able to secure enough funding to rebuild her family’s soap business. One of those investors is Noel Edwards, Duke of Rotherby. Noel trusts very few people and is accustomed to being courted for his influence and wealth, but Noel is intrigued by Jessica’s intellect, financial prowess, and sharp wit. Jessica enjoys being treated like a member of the elite, but as her feelings for Noel intensify she worries about what will happen if he discovers that she’s pretending to be someone she’s not. Leigh makes a strong case for their compatibility as Noel learns to open his heart and Jessica learns her own lesson about trust. Readers will delight in this fun, fresh Regency. Agent: Kevan Lyon, Marsal Lyon Literary.

Starred review from August 1, 2020

After a fire destroys the farm buildings dedicated to keeping her family's soap business afloat, Jessica McGale rallies to save the company by adopting the fake title of Lady Whitfield and traveling to London to attend a conference catering to investors. There she meets the Duke of Rotherby, Noel Edwards, a young upstart with connections to the city's elite. Noel is surrounded by those who rely on him for business favors, yet he feels no real ties to high society and has few associates outside of the Union of Rakes, his tight-knit group of friends from Eton. Lady Whitfield's wit, assured business acumen, and poise easily draws Noel to her side, and he soon finds himself placing his trust and vulnerability in her hands. When Jessica's desperate scheme finally comes to light, Noel vacillates between returning to his rakish ways or forgiving the woman who dominates his every thought. VERDICT A duke who has no problem taking a more submissive role and an intelligent woman determined not to fail make an exquisite match in this second spicy, delectable tale in Leigh's "Union of Rakes" series (My Fake Rake). Regency fans will savor and want more.--Kellie Tilton, Univ. of Cincinnati, Blue Ash

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