Dukes Are Forever

Starred review from November 2, 2015
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.

November 1, 2015
It took Edward Westover, Duke of Swarthmore, one year of careful planning and skillful card playing, but he has finally gotten his revenge against Phillip Benton. Now everything Benton once owned belongs to Edward. As Benton signs away his last possessions, he insists that as part of the deal, Edward must assume guardianship of his daughter, Katherine, who lives at Brambly House, a country estate she inherited from her mother. Initially, all Edward plans to do is check out the estate, hire someone to see to Katherine's care, and then return home to London. But once he arrives at Brambly House and finally meets her, Edward finds himself face to face with an intriguing lady, who tempts him to find reason after reason for delaying his departure. Harrington's captivating debut brings together a caring heroine with a revenge-driven hero, and then lets the sexy fireworks begin. The result is an impeccably written, deliciously sensual tale that will have readers eagerly lining up for the next in Harrington's The Secret Life of Scoundrels series.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2015, American Library Association.)