The Duke Gets Desperate: A Novel

Diana Quincy

Sep 2023 · Sold by HarperCollins

About this ebook

Diana Quincy returns with a steamy affair between an Arab-American woman who inherits a run-down castle in the English countryside and the duke who asserts the castle is his, in the first book in a brand-new Victorian historical romance series.

Anthony Cary, Duke of Strickland, inherits his spendthrift father’s title and can finally restore the family castle to its former glory. But at the reading of the will, Strick is stunned to learn that his father has secretly disentailed him, leaving the family manor—home to twelve generations of dukes—to Strick’s American stepmother. Everyone knows Strick detests the dowager duchess, and when she dies mysteriously, damning rumors start to surface. 

When Raya Darwish unexpectedly inherits her glamorous late cousin’s castle in the English countryside, she clashes with the charismatic young duke who insists the castle is rightfully his. The estate is practically bankrupt, so she must find a way to work with the duke in order to save both of their futures.

The two cannot stand each other, but mutual disdain soon gives way to desire. When questions arise about how her cousin died, Raya cannot help wondering if Strick’s sudden unbridled passion for her is part of a scheme to get his castle back...  

Ratings and reviews

How crazy and destined would it be to travel to England then having real estate??? Arab-American Raya Darwish was that lucky gal and the handsome Duke of Strickland is attached to the castle in “The Duke Gets Desperate by Diana Quincy! If you enjoy reads with good fortune, enemies to lovers, day-nice and night-spice, fortunate run-ins, secrets, mystery, business savvy women, blacksmith aristocrats, and fated mates then I highly recommend this book!

I love how Raya stands up to Strick, unintimidated by his arrogant dukely presence. She forces him to come to terms with the realities of their situation, and he soon comes to value her unique talents. The passion between them is strong. The mystery about the cousin's death kept me guessing. Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

About the author

Bestselling author Diana Quincy is an award-winning former television journalist who decided to make up stories where a happy ending is always guaranteed. Her books have been included on "Best of" lists in Library Journal and The Washington Post. As a U.S. Foreign Service brat, Diana grew up all over the world, but is now happily settled in Virginia with her husband and two sons. When not bent over her laptop, Diana spends time with her family, reads, practices yoga and plots her next travel adventure.