Fresh from the Caribbean, Mark Easton, the new Duke of Roxburg, returns to London to secure a bride. It’s expected of his new station, after all. Unfortunately, he knows just what will meet him once his presence in Town is known. Sycophantic and cloying debutantes at every turn and matchmaking mamas behind every potted palm. If only there was a way to know the true nature of each girl beforehand. … beforehand. Then brilliance strikes! Masquerading as a lowly dancing master before the season begins should give him a very clear picture of London’s eligible ladies.
Bianca Valentine has never been under the illusion that any decent man would look past her family’s secrets. So a life of independence is her best shot for a happy future. If she can provide for herself, she won’t have to be a burden on her aunt and uncle any longer. After an advertisement for an accompanist at a dancing school catches her eye, Bianca finds herself enjoying more freedom than she’s known, but it’s the new dancing master that takes her breath away and inspires the most beautiful music she’s ever written.
Her music first enchanted him, but her smile and kindness captured his heart. A masquerading duke and an accompanist is scandalous enough, but will Bianca’s secrets be too much to overcome?
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I really liked this story and fell in love with the H/h. It was intriguing, complex, interesting and romantic. Two people so far apart in rank it seems impossible to reconcile the union. The story was touching as fear of the past kept the h from living a full and loving life. The unusual part of the story was a man who could see ghosts. It was interesting how that fit into the story so well. I love how both the H and h tried to justify their feelings for each other. I had to laugh a little when the H was literally a cave man when the h was being stubborn. When I reached the end, I did not want the story to stop there. I wanted it to go on and continue. A great story. I enjoyed it immensely. I received a free copy of this book the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an ARC copy of the book
Mark Easton has recently inherited the title of Duke of Roxburg. He has spent the last few years in the Caribbean but has returned to England. He’s worried there will be a frenzy of debutantes chasing him once the season starts. He decides to answer an advertisement to become a dancing master at Lady Acker’s Dancing School, under the name of Mr East. Lady Felding has brought her younger sisters to London for the season, however they feel uncomfortable & all three of them find ways to keep themselves occupied. Bianca Valentine applies & is successful at becoming a pianist at Lady Acker’s Dancing School.
I found this book riveting & loved that we caught up on characters from other series by the author. A gentle love story, that had me burning the midnight oil as I found it hard to put down. Mark & Bianca were very likeable, more of the Valentines’ early life was revealed.
Can’t wait for other Valentine & Storm stories
I really enjoyed this installment in the Regency world Jane Charles has created. Many familiar characters from previous novels make an appearance.
Mark Easton has recently become the Duke of Roxburg, but he’d rather have stayed on his Barbados sugar plantation than come back to London to find a bride. He’s going to do his duty; he just hates the idea of going through the rigamarole of the Season. If he can somehow slip in undetected and observe the eligible young ladies, maybe he can discover the true nature of the ladies and find the one right for him.
After her sister marries well, Bianca Valentine is given the opportunity to enjoy the Season. That is the furthest thing from her mind. She is convinced her family’s secret means she can never marry. She just wants to pursue her music and gain a position to support herself. Playing as an accompanist at a dancing school is the perfect solution. The handsome young dancing master who has come to the school makes the job even more enjoyable.
The passion that Bianca put into her music and that Mark felt when he heard it and got to know Bianca was one of the best parts of the story. They really did make beautiful music together!