Distracting the Duke

Elizabeth Keysian

Feb 2017 · Wayward in Wessex Book 1 · Sold by Entangled: Scandalous

About this ebook

Devonshire, England, 1820

Determined to avoid the strife-filled marriage of his parents, Marcus, the Duke of Ulvercombe, wants an amenable, biddable wife, and has set his cap for a certain pretty miss. Unfortunately, her vastly opinionated, frustrating, and lamentably beautiful guardian, Lady Clara Tinniswood, keeps distracting him, tempting him to consider a far more tempestuous—and passionate—union.

Recently widowed Lady Clara Tinniswood wants only to organize a quiet new life for herself, beyond the control of any man. But one shockingly unguarded moment while confronted by Marcus’s gloriously naked body catapults her headlong into a forbidden passion and threatens to undermine all her well-laid plans.

Even if Marcus abandons his sweet ideal and surrenders to his growing desire for Clara, there's still one thing that could destroy their hopes forever...

Each book in the Wayward in Wessex series is STANDALONE:
* Distracting the Duke
* Unmasking the Earl
* Vanquishing the Viscount

Ratings and reviews

Distracting the Duke by Elizabeth Keysian, book 1 in "Wayward in Wessex", which promises to be an amazing series. Regency Romance set in 1820 Devonshire, England. Debut author! Well written with engaging but flawed characters. The storyline was genuine, entertaining and fascinating. Steady paced. The reader will find a wide range of emotions, from tears to laughter, to dread as Lady Clara Tinniswood, a recent widow and Marcus, the Duke of Ulvercombe, who wishes to find a amenable, and biddable wife, faces challenges to finding their HEA. Ah, yes, maybe not! Clara, is opinionated, volatile outspoken and not caring what anyone thinks. Marcus, is complicated, overbearing, and a true alpha male. Apparently, opposites do attract, for Clara and Marcus are as opposite as night and day. Oh, but sparks fly, and they can't seem to stay away from each other. Then, there is Ellie a ward of Clara and her brother Philip's. Ellie is the one Marcus sets his sights on, but fate has something different in mind. I did not like Marcus at first he was a bit overbearing, but you soon feel his painful childhood, which has made him into the man be has become. Clara uses her attitude to hide her vulnerability and her past hurts. Together, these two make a match that neither wanted but found the other holds the key to their heart and happiness. "Distracting the Duke" is a story of the battle of wills, passion, romance and love. I found myself engrossed with Marcus and Clara'a story. Their interactions were definitely a struggle of wills as both these characters are strong-willed, flawed with wounded hearts. This is a story that will capture your heart! Clara and Marcus' flaws is what, in my opinion, made them more realistic, likeable and easy to relate to their worries, desires and apprehension of love. "Distracting the Duke" is an entertaining and captaviating tale of opposites attracting, like vinegar and oil. The secondary characters are usual, but help move the story along. Especially, Philip, I hope he will have a story of his own. As a debut author, Ms. Keysian has presented herself well, proving herself as a exciting new author. She has a way of drawing the reader into the story and holding their interest. Well done! I look forward to the next installment of, "Wayward in Wessex". A great read for fans of Regency Romance, opposites attracting, complicated characters, and great storylines. Strongly recommended. An enjoyable and satisfying Regency Romance. I received a complimentary copy. Rating: 4 Heat rating: Mild Reviewed by: AprilR

The Lady and the Duke are like fire and ice. THEY DON'T MIX. He wants even tempered and sweet. She is volatile and opinionated. She wants to make her own choices and live a life beyond the control of a man. He wants a woman unlike her. Or does he? Distracting the Duke is a tale of passion that merges a battle of wills with a meeting of minds and ultimately the stealing of hearts. Mine included.

About the author

Elizabeth first started writing fiction when she was eight, encouraged to do so by her Head Teacher father, who needed something to keep her quiet during school holidays. Her favorite topics were mermaids, ghosts, Norman knights and quests, and she illustrated and decorated her own books. She emerged from the world of her imagination to read History at the University of London, after which she spent many years working as an archaeologist and artifact illustrator. She then became a primary school teacher, after which she moved to museum education work, and display and collections management.

Elizabeth has been involved in Medieval, Tudor, and English Civil War re-enactment and has enjoyed sword-play and traditional archery, excelling in neither. She lived for seven years on a Knights Templar estate in Essex where she pursued her interest in historical textiles, cookery and medicine. She loves anything to do with the past, and still looks down holes in the ground to see if there's anything archaeological in them. There generally isn't.

She has written fifteen historical romances since moving to the West of England in 1997, the landscape and history of which have inspired the "Wayward in Wessex" series.