About a Rogue (Bonus Short Story Included): Desperately Seeking Duke

Caroline Linden

Jun 2020 · Desperately Seeking Duke Book 1 · Sold by HarperCollins

About this ebook

Includes an exclusive bonus short story!

The first book in the new series Desperately Seeking Duke from USA Today bestselling and RITA award-winning author Caroline Linden.

It’s no love match…

Bianca Tate is horrified when her sister Cathy is obliged to accept an offer of marriage from Maximilian St. James, notorious rake. Defiantly she helps Cathy elope with her true love, and takes her sister’s place at the altar.

It’s not even the match that was made…

Perched on the lowest branch of his family tree, Max has relied on charm and cunning to survive. But an unexpected stroke of luck gives him an outside chance at a dukedom—and which Tate sister he weds hardly seems to matter.

 

But could it be the perfect match?

 

Married or not, Bianca is determined to protect her family’s prosperous ceramics business, even when Max shows an affinity for it—not to mention a dangerous ability to intrigue and tempt Bianca herself. And when Max realizes how beautiful and intelligent and desirable Bianca is, he’ll have to prove he’s no rogue, but the passionately devoted husband she craves…

Ratings and reviews

almost forgot to review this book that I read a week ago. Anywho lets get to it. so the death of the Duke of Carlyle dies and he was the heir, now his family has no clue what to do they need to find the closest relative take care of the order unfortunately for them the members the that can possibly take over are not really ones you would want. One of them was Maximilian St. James and his reputation was of a rogue/rake. Max does have interest but he needs to remedy his reputation and get married and show that he can handle the estate. Max shows interest in Caroline and her father Mr. Tate is the owner of the best ceramic manufacturer, he feels Caroline would be the best because she is biddable but that is not going to be the case since he ends up marrying Bianca. I hated that for him she was not nice, I did not like her and felt like she needed to grow up and wanted to know why she hated Max. I wish he would have had someone better. rcvd an ARC at no cost to author..(netgalley) voluntarily reviewed with my own thoughts and opinions (less)

When Max St. James learns that he is in line to inherit The Carlyle Dukedom, the Duchess gives him and his cousin six months to settle (marry) and prove they are worthy to inherit. Max immediately takes advantage of the income granted him to settle debts and make for himself something he hasn’t had in a long time, a safe and respectable life. He finds his opportunity at Perusia Potteries. When Bianca Tate discovers that not only has her father agreed to a marriage between her sister Cathy and Max, but is giving him a quarter interest in the company, she is livid. One, she loves Perusia and feels like her father has given away part of her heritage. Two, Cathy is in love with the local curate. Bianca’s solution helping Cathy elope with her true love results in her own marriage to Max St. James. Will Max prove to be the fortune hunter she believes him to be, or will he show that he is truly interested in the company and wants to help expand and improve it? Will Max’s marriage to Bianca be just a marriage of (in)convenience? Max is a wonderful hero. He is intelligent, determined, and patient. He watches and works hard to learn the business he has joined. Bianca is very much like her father Samuel, and a brilliant asset to Perusia. She is fiercely devoted to her family and their business. Max and Bianca are perfect for each other, but you may not be able to convince them. This is an entertaining story with some very interesting characters, lots of humor, a secret or two, an amazing cricket match, and a few surprises. There is also an absolutely charming bonus story. I enjoyed and recommend this one. Another winner for Caroline Linden. I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.

A delightful story with entertaining characters and a fun plot. In the running to inherit a Dukedom, Max St James is determined to reform his ways and show he is the best to inherit. A chance meeting with a man who owns a pottery business and his daughter set the stage for him to marry a respectable lady and show he is series. Unfortunately the daughter he is set to marry loves another and her sister Bianca helps her run off and marry her love. She will go in her place and marry Max. Of course sparks fly and there is such humorous banter you have to laugh. Wonderful start to this new series!

About the author

Caroline Linden knew from an early age she was a reader, not a writer. She earned a math degree from Harvard University and wrote computer code before turning to fiction. Her books have won the Daphne du Maurier Award, the NJRW Golden Leaf Award, and RWA’s RITA® Award, and have been translated into seventeen languages around the world. She lives in New England with her family. Find her online at www.CarolineLinden.com.