The Duke of Ice
Widow Lady Violet Pendleton hopes for a second chance with Nicholas Bateman, the man she’s always loved. But she isn’t prepared for the desolation in his soul or the animosity he still bears toward her. Despite those obstacles, it’s clear their passion hasn’t dimmed. However, the heat between them isn’t enough to melt the Duke of Ice, and this time Violet may find herself the … herself the jilted party. Can love, once so tragically lost, finally be found?
The Duke of Ruin
With her betrothal to a duke in tatters and scandal imminent, Diana Kingman has two choices: live in certain ignominy or flee into obscurity. Since her father will stop at nothing to betroth her to one of the finest titles in the realm, no matter how loathsome the bearer, escape is her only option. Universally blamed for the death of his wife and unborn child, Simon Hastings doesn’t dispute his guilt over an accident he cannot even remember. Determined to be a better man, Simon rescues a young woman in need—only to be accused of kidnapping. Can a man haunted by the love he lost and a woman afraid to get too close find happiness together?
The Duke of Lies
Verity Beaumont has suffered domineering men most of her life, first with her father and then with her husband. Free from both of them, she dares look to the future but her carefully ordered world is shattered when her dead husband returns after six years. Rufus Beaumont, Duke of Blackburn, is back to claim his place and his family. Only, the life he finds is not the life he left, and he must convince his wife that he’s not the man he was. When the truth about what happened to him leaks out, he must prove that not everything about him, especially his love for her, is a lie.
more
#7 DUKE OF ICE – CHANCE BRINGS HOPE & JOY
In this wonderful series, this one is outstanding! WIdow Lady Violet Pendleton was forced into a marriage 8 years ago by her parents because they considered her desire to wed Mr. Nicholas Bateman a disaster. They wanted a title, not just for her but to boost their own standing. Thankfully her cruel philandering husband died and Violet is staying with her friend Hannah, who is hosting a week long house party. She extended an invitation to the infamous Simon, Duke of Romsey or known as the Duke of Ruin. Although never charged, the gossip has him pushing his expecting wife down the stairs and is no longer received by the ton. The invitation is based on the hope he bring along his friend, Nicholas Bateman, Duke of Kilve or Duke of Ice. Nick never expected to inherit, but after Violet was forced into a marriage, he joined the army with his older brother. A series of deaths, including his beloved brother, leaves him the title. Numb with pain of loss, Nick marries and is again plunged into darkness when his wife dies in childbirth and his son follows. Alone and with no contact with people, except for his childhood friend, Simon, he is persuaded to attend the party. He is shocked to see Violet after 8 years. At first, he is elusive and keeps to himself, but little by little, with encouragement from Simon, he is drawn to the only woman he has loved. Violet has never stopped loving Nick and attempts to draw out the kind and loving man she knows he is. She is determined to fight for a second chance for the man she has always loved. But life throws more adversity at this couple, which causes Nick to flee into the darkness again. He is afraid to open the door to pain and hurt. Yet can one truly be living without the threat of hurt and pain – the price of love! Poignant story of moving through life’s challenges or burying oneself in lonely misery – a choice of light and change or guaranteed loneliness and darkness. Violet and NIck ultimately choose the light and the precious and lasting blessing of love!!
#8 DUKE OF RUIN – DARKNESS IS OVERCOME BY LIGHT OF LOVE
This story picks up from previous. Simon, Duke of Romsey, called the Duke of Ruin, is Nick’s (Duke of Kilve) closet friend. Simons helped Nick to realize his love for Violet, which means he must break his business-like engagement to Miss Diana Kingman. Simon is the messenger and promises Nick to help her in any way. Rejected by society that sees him complicit in the death of his pregnant wife – accused of pushing her down the stairs while drunk – Simon has no memory of the tragedy, but continues to punish himself. Diana has lived under the cruelty of her father, and now for first time she can make her own choice. Facing ruin, Simon will take her anywhere she wants. That is to her beloved cousin Verity, Duchess of Blackburn. Traveling as a married couple under an assumed name, SImon and Diana get to know each other and the demons they carry. But fate intercedes when Simon is recognized at an inn and tells a story of their elopement. Arriving at Verity’s estate, she decides the best way to protect Diana is for them to wed. Off to Scotland they go, then to Lyndhurst, Simon’s huge estate. All through their weeks of travel, Simon begins to enjoy Diana’s company, her beauty and kindness. Diana is grateful for Simon’s care and allowing her the freedom to make her own choices. But living in the house of tragedy robs Simon of his joy and guilt settles in once more. Can Diana enable him to forgive himself and live again? Simon fights to free Diana from the shadow of her father’s cruelty. Two wounded souls must overcome adversities that keep them in darkness and strive for life’s greatest blessing, love. A wonderful series, but these last two books are poignant and have a darkness that must be overcome with faith, hope and love!
#9 DUKE OF LIES – OUR TRUE SELF IS SEEN THROUGH OUR ACTIONS
We meet Verity Beaumont, Duchess of Blackburn, in the previous book (She is close cousin of Diana). Subjected to a cold father determined to use her to further his status in society, she is married to Rufus Beaumont, the heir to his uncle, Duke of Blackburn. His mental and physical abuse is the worst cruelty the young 19 year old suffered. Within a month, the Duke dies and Rufus inherits the title and estate. When he finally leaves for London, Verity is relieved. But Rufus disappears and Verity finds herself expecting. Her son, Beau, gives her life direction, purpose and love. For over 6 years, they live in peace – until the day a rider comes to the door – her missing husband. Except his personality is all wrong – he is kind, polite, gentle and considerate. He tells the tale of being impressed and fighting in American war. His actions belie all that Rufus is. Verity keeps waiting for the anger and abuse that never come. Beau is over the moon with his father. In a short month, he has made friends with servants and tenants alike. Then Verity is stunned to realize he is not Rufus – but the natural son of the old Duke, actually Rufus’ half-brother, Captain Christopher Powell. The plan is to continue living the lie – until the blackmail starts! Exciting tale of love when least expected, the consequences of our actions, both good and evil, and overcoming adversities while remaining true to yourself. Romantic story of the power of love to bring joy into your life – enjoyed seeing characters from the previous books in this delightful series!