He didn't want to be a duke. And with being so far down the line in succession, he didn't think it would ever happen. Nevertheless, Maxwell Brooke finds himself the Duke of Lyle. There's been a fire at Lyle Castle with the devastation almost incomprehensible. Max investigates the blaze, concludes that it was deliberately set and, without a fair hearing, puts Reverend Stephen Holt in prison.

Max knows Lady Kate Fairchild, Holt's sister, by sight only. Since the fire and Holt's incarceration, he's made it his business to investigate her thoroughly. Kate is the childless widow of a former Member of Parliament and has a spotless reputation. At 27 years of age, Kate is wealthy and in no need of ever marrying again -- much to her liking.

Kate thinks her brother's arrest was based on a misunderstanding. But Reverend Holt admits to knowing the whereabouts of wanted criminals, arsonists who staged the violent insurrection against the family of the Duke of Lyle.

Kate's only mission is to free her brother and will do everything in her power to see that it happens. Blackmail is a dirty word, but Kate threatens to expose certain members of Parliament for unscrupulous acts if they do not free Stephen. Max doesn't want her to do anything rash and get in over her head. He will do whatever it takes to keep her safe. Max has never felt about any woman the way he feels about Kate. Could she be the duchess he's been waiting for? Kate has always been lonely, even while her husband was alive. She's never been attracted to anyone -- until Max.

Christine Wells has graced us with a historical romance overflowing with wit, charm and passion. THE DANGEROUS DUKE is a delightful romp engaging us with a strong heroine, a flawed but very appealing hero, a mystery that keeps us guessing and a love story sure to warm your heart. You will thoroughly enjoy it as I did.