Bella Barstowe does her best to escape her kidnappers only
to find herself in an unsavory part of town facing an
uncertain outcome. Gallantly, Captain Rose of the ship
Black Swan comes to her rescue, whisking her away into the
night. Since trust is something Bella doesn't do, she
steals his horse and makes her way home. Four years later,
Bella has an opportunity to become independent, leaving the
prison her evil brother has been keeping her in since (they
claim) she ran away with a man all those years ago. Bella
goes to London, hiding herself with disguises so she can
roam freely. During one of these exertions, Bella comes
upon her abductors. Learning the truth of that fateful
night, she knows revenge is the only way, so she is going
to ask for Captain Rose's help.
The Duke of Ithorne enjoys disguising himself as Captain
Rose, since it allows him to escape the everyday
responsibilities of being a duke to sail the high seas.
Lately, he has given up the charade because ducal duties
are keeping him too busy to retreat to his ship, Black
Swan. To his shock, he receives a letter stating a woman
from his past is looking for him. Unable to resist the lure
to be Captain Rose again, he travels to Dover to see why
she is seeking him out. He finds himself face-to-face with
Bella Barstowe, the beautiful woman who stole his horse
four years ago leaving him in awe of her courage. She is
asking for his help to act out a plan of revenge that he is
more than willing to do. The only problem is losing his
heart to a woman he can't have.
THE SECRET DUKE is the third and final book in this
outstanding series saving the best for last. The detail is
fabulous and the restrained passion is stellar. A great
read!
A thrilling new historical romance from the New York
Times bestselling author of The Secret Wedding
When Arabella Barstowe is kidnapped, she
believes her life and virtue are forfeit-until she's rescued
by the notorious rogue Captain Rose. Bella never expects to
see him again. But years later she learns the wicked truth
behind her abduction, and she seeks out the only man who can
help her take revenge.
What she doesn't know is
that Captain Rose is just a disguise for the formidable Duke
of Ithorne, who is intrigued to hear from the mysterious
woman from his past. Their lives are soon entangled by
danger and a growing forbidden passion.