Catherine Malboeuf has grown up listening to stories of her family history in England, where her mother grew up - tales of mystery surrounding her great grandmother's diary and a hidden tiara.
It is now 1820 and Catherine has arrived in London determined to find her family's diary and purchase Walsley Manor, where her mother was raised. Headstrong and determined, Catherine is unprepared for Nick, the Duke of Boulstridge, owner and restorer of Walsley Manor.
Clashing instantly, the Duke is unsure how to deal with Catherine, who is so unlike the simpering misses of the ton. Offering her a wager, which he feels certain he will win, Nick feels he has the upper hand - if she receives a proper proposal from a member of the ton before the end of the season, he will sell her Walsley Manor.
With regards to the diary, they endeavour to work together as a team to unlock its secrets. Spending as much time with each other, as society allows, Catherine and Nick are drawn to each other and passion begins to bloom. But Nick has vowed never to marry, as he fears he would end up like his despicable father.
As Catherine's feelings grow for Nick, she realises that he could never be with her, a supposed daughter of a pirate, and she tries to garner a proposal from another gentleman so that she may win the wager. But love has a way of winding its way into their hearts, and when fear takes over, Catherine and Nick say some harsh things that hurt deeply.
When burglaries, kidnapping and attacks centre around Catherine, will Nick and her new found friends, be able to protect her? Or will Nick lose the only woman who lights a fire in his soul?
HOW TO BEGUILE A DUKE by Ally Broadfield is an enthralling Regency romance which captured my undivided attention from the beginning. Catherine is a wonderfully unique, fiery, independent character who speaks her mind and will go to any lengths for her family. I enjoyed watching the relationship develop between Nick and Catherine, and to understand Nick's tumultuous history regarding his father.
HOW TO BEGUILE A DUKE by Ally Broadfield is an adventurous, passionate, exciting romance, with characters that will remain with me for some time.
The spirited Catherine Malboeuf has just arrived in
England
to reclaim her ancestral home, Walsley Manor, and a
valuable
missing heirloom. Nicholas Adair, the attractive and
frustratingly inflexible Duke of Boulstridge, however, is
quite unwilling to sell the estate back to Catherine.
Unless, of course, she accepts a small wager...
Nick will sell Walsley Manor if--and only if--Catherine
secures an offer of marriage from an eligible member of
the
ton before the end of the London season.
Of course, Nick is certain he'll win. After all, no proper
gentleman would ever marry a woman who conceals a cutlass
in
her skirts. Yet something about Catherine's unconventional
disposition seems to ignite a need deep inside him. A need
that won't just cost him the wager, but the very heart he
swore to never give away...
She crossed her arms. βYour Grace. I have never been so
insulted. I am not accustomed to having my word questioned.β
βWell you must become accustomed to it if you are going to
continue to break into other peopleβs homes at your whim.β
βYou should as well if you are going to lie to your guests
about your whereabouts.β
He took a step forward and looked down his nose at her.
Every part of her body awakened to his proximity. A whiff of
cedar tickled her nose.
βMiss Malboeuf, you would do well to learn the customs of
English society. It is my prerogative to turn away callers I
do not wish to see. When my butler told you I was not at
home, you should have understood it meant I did not wish to
give you audience.β
She took a step back, hoping her mind would reengage. βIt is
still an untruth, which is the same thing as a lie. Why not
tell the truth? Then I would have known your intentions from
the start."
The duke clenched his jaw. βPerhaps you should seek out
someone who can provide you lessons in deportment.β
βThat wonβt be necessary, Your Grace. I attended a class on
deportment in New Orleans.β
His gaze dropped to her unshod feet. βItβs a pity you
werenβt able to complete the course.β
© 2003-2026