A friends-to-lovers, military hero, “pretend” romance from a New York Times bestselling author: When Major Bartholomew Blackpool learns the girl-next-door from his childhood will be forced into an unwanted marriage, he returns home to play her pretend beau. The one-time dandy knows Society demands perfection—and he’ll ensure his old friend finds just that.Miss Daphne Vaughan hates that crying off … that.
Miss Daphne Vaughan hates that crying off will destroy Major Blackpool’s chances of finding a real bride. She plots to make him jilt her first. Who cares if it ruins her? She never wanted a husband anyway. But the major is equally determined that she break the engagement. With both of them on their worst behavior, neither expects their fake betrothal to lead to love…
Regency-set Historical Romance Novel
The Dukes of War historical romance books in series order:
- The Viscount’s Tempting Minx
- The Earl’s Defiant Wallflower
- The Captain’s Bluestocking Mistress
- The Major’s Faux Fiancee
- The Brigadier’s Runaway Bride
- The Pirate’s Tempting Stowaway
- The Duke’s Accidental Wife
- A Dukes of War Holiday Reunion
more
Until the end you couldn’t be sure Daphne and Major Bartholomew were going to overcome their separate personal problems and give in to the love that had been growing between them. Daphne’sGuardian has forced her into a marriage contract with childhood friend Bartholomew which neither plans to honor; but in the weeks prior to her birthday when she can be free they must be seen together as a couple. Daphne has never been cared for as herself and buries herself in charities and extreme desire to be loved for who she is not what she does. She falls for Bartholomew’s charms but feels he is shallow and self centered. Quite the opposite is true. Major B. having lost a leg in the war and failing to save his twin brother in the same battle has been a bitter, self loathing recluse since leaving the military. While he cares for Daphne he feels she deserves a “whole” man. There are a host of other interesting characters who lead into other books but this can be read as a stand alone