"This author has written another winner"
In 1794 England, Quinton Hunter, the Duke of Sedgewick,
realizes he must marry a moneyed spouse to overcome the
fact that his ancestors married for love and enjoyed
gambling. Considered by the Ton as the bluest blood in
England, Quinton selects the daughter of the nation's
richest man, Allegra Morgan, as the obvious target of his
affections. Allegra agrees to marry Quinton, but stipulates that love
must never enter their relationship. Interested in the cold
cash, Quinton accepts the requirement, vowing not to act
like his antecedents. However, Quinton soon learns his
blood is as blue as his relatives are because he too falls
in love. He fears telling Allegra, but confesses anyway
that he loves her. Trouble in war-torn France interferes
with the duo before they can explore their growing love for
one another. Known for her O'Malley series and the erotic novels,
Bertrice Small provides her readers with an entertaining
Regency romantic suspense with THE DUCHESS. The story line
is filled with action even as the impact of the French
Revolution augments the intrigue, It also slows down the
development of the relationship between Allegra and
Quinton. Still Ms. Small furnishes readers with a powerful
tale that needs sequels starring the children of the lead
protagonists as only the author can provide. Harriet Klausner
Reviewed by PNR Group Member
Posted July 4, 2001
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