How the Duke Was Won

Starred review from March 14, 2016
Debut author Bell begins the Disgraceful Dukes Regency series with a winning tale in which disreputable but charming protagonists bond over a shared passion for righting social injustices. Charlene, the illegitimate and unacknowledged daughter of an earl, longs to save herself and her sister from prostitution by opening a boarding house for impoverished girls. James, a second son who unexpectedly inherits a ducal title, arrives in London prepared to marry an impeccable bride, produce an heir, and return to the West Indies to run his fair-wage cocoa farms. When James invites four women to audition for the role of duchess, Charlene is hired to stand in for her look-alike half-sister, Lady Dorothea, until Dorothea returns from abroad. Charlene’s spirited manner, martial arts skills, and instant rapport with James’s biracial daughter (whose existence and acceptance by her father are absolutely scandalous to most of the London elite) immediately put her at the top of the list, but soon James’s suspicions of trickery dampen his ardor. Meanwhile, Charlene reluctantly cedes her place to Dorothea, certain a duke would never marry an illegitimate woman. Colorful supporting characters, plentiful plot twists, and the trials of star-crossed lovers make for a sizzling and heartwarming page-turner. Agent: Alexandra Machinist, ICM Partners.

March 15, 2016
One proud duke, four desperate women, and a weekend full of surprises. Charlene knows her place--she's the by-blow of the Earl of Desmond--and all she dares hope for is a better life for her family. Her father's wife has offered her what might be her only chance to change their lives. Charlene looks just like her half sister, Lady Dorothea, who's busy traveling, which means Lady Desmond wants to train Charlene to stand in for Dorothea and help charm the Duke of Harland into marrying her. Charlene needs to use all of her talents to reach James, aka His Disgrace, who's bringing four women to his country house for a weekend in order to find a suitably proper wife (with suitably powerful father) who can give him an heir and restore his reputation. True love isn't his aim; he only cares for his cocoa farm in the West Indies, where he's abolished slavery, and his only goal is making chocolate affordable for everyone in England. Over a weekend of pratfalls, with Lady Desmond urging her on from the sidelines, Charlene falls for the duke despite herself, and the duke falls for "Lady Dorothea." When Charlene secures a betrothal, her work is done--but the duke might not be fooled so easily. Bell's debut romance is as fierce as Charlene's self-defense skills and is full of surprises. The duke's proto-social justice leanings add a new angle to this spicy romance and will delight fans of the genre. Bell has found a new avenue to the happily-ever-after of the Regency era, and it's one that fans will enjoy exploring. Bold and sweet as good chocolate, this debut romance will give Regency fans a new author for their must-read list.

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Starred review from April 15, 2016
Lady Desmond's proposal is the answer to Charlene Beckett's prayers. Lady Desmond wants Charlene to impersonate her daughter, Dorothea, at a house party being given by James Edward Warren, the Duke of Harland. The duke is auditioning ladies for the role of his prospective wife, and Dorothea is one of four candidates he will be interviewing. The problem is Dorothea is onboard a ship returning from Italy and won't be back in England in time. Since Charlene could be Dorothea's twinwhich isn't surprising since Charlene is her illegitimate half sisterLady Desmond is positive Charlene can fool James long enough for Dorothea to return home, and in return, Lady Desmond will give Charlene enough money to take care of her mother and her sister, Lulu. Capturing the duke's interest turns out to be surprisingly easy for Charlene, but the one thing she didn't plan on was falling for him herself. RWA Golden Heart winner Bell's debut romance, the first in her Disgraceful Dukes series, is a knockout with its seductive combination of breathtakingly sexy romance, a refreshingly unconventional hero and heroine, and clever writing infused with droll wit.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2016, American Library Association.)