Here's the blurb:
Known
as The Marble Duke amongst the Ton, Garret Weston, the Duke of Kendal
sets himself apart from his peers. Nothing will hinder his guilt-driven attempt
to become a perfect duke. Nothing that
is, save the alluring and imaginative betrothed he’d thought dead. His intended
believes-of all things-that she is a Vicar’s daughter. The “perfect”
duke needs a “perfect” duchess, but how was he to discern her suitability?
Employing her as a governess to his niece seemed like an ideal solution. But
whose “suitability” is being tested? His betrothed refuses to see he is beyond
redemption. And most grievous of all, she stirs his blood, making him forget
what’s important.
Cara
believes fairy tales really can come true, until she meets the unrelenting and
arrogant Duke of Kendal. He looks like a Prince, but acts like a Beast. Why
must he challenge her at every turn? Her greatest peril is her attraction to
the vulnerable, seductive man behind the title. A match between them would be
impossible. But can she show him, without losing her heart that “perfect” is in
the eye of the beholder?
Here's a wee excerpt:
“The horse seems to know you.”
“He should. There was a time when I practically lived in the stable.
Storm was my favorite.”
“What happened?”
“I became a duke.”
“Oh.”
He straightened and forced his features into a mask of indifference.
“So, Rachel loves horses.” He turned to face Cara. “I can appreciate my niece’s
fondness, but I can not allow her to frequent the stable.”
“Why not?”
“It is not proper for young ladies of her station.”
“Garret, she’s a child.”
It was the first time she’d used his name, and somehow, Rachel
visiting the horses didn’t seem like such a large request. “I will only allow
it if she uses the passageway. At least I can keep the knowledge of her visits
to a minimum. If you come with her, you will need to use the tunnel as well.”
“I can’t.”
“Why not?”
She blushed and turned away. “I’m afraid.” She said it so quietly, he
wasn’t sure he heard her.
“Afraid? Of what?”
“Dark, enclosed places. Even as a child, I fell asleep with a candle
burning.” She faced him and gave a small smile. “Perhaps I’m afraid that a
beast will gobble me up in the dark.”
“There are no beasts at Belcraven, Miss McClure. I would not allow
anyone to hurt you.”
“Anyone?”
“Never.” He started toward her and stopped. Damn, it would be better
if he didn’t get close to her. As he left the stable, her whisper followed him.
“Not even you?”
You can find/follow Dawn Ireland in the following places:
You can buy THE PERFECT DUKE on Amazon.com.
