How to Capture a Duke
by Tina Gabrielle
Series: Raven Club
Genre: Adult, Historical Romance
Publisher: Entangled Scandalous
Publication Date: October 14, 2019
Lady Olivia, the youngest sister of the Earl of Castleton, has no patience for the boring gentlemen of aristocratic society. She longs for a more adventurous life like the ladies who visit the Raven Club. But her plans are thwarted when her family drags her to a country house party to meet the elusive Duke of Keswick.
Tristan Cameron, the Duke of Keswick, finds Olivia in his stables. She believes him to be the stable master, and he doesn’t dissuade her of the notion. He has no interest in entertaining one of the spoiled, self-indulgent ladies who’ve invaded his home. Except, Olivia is neither of those things, and their shared kiss during a ride results in combustible passion.
And a potential scandal.
Olivia is relieved when the handsome stable master comes to her aid as her alibi, but that relief fades to anger when she suddenly finds herself betrothed to the harsh, foul-tempered duke.
Tristan believes he’s been trapped by a scheming, title-seeking lady. To make matters worse, she’s utterly captivating. He plans on leaving her behind in the country immediately after their vows, but Tristan soon finds himself battling temptation and Olivia’s stubborn determination to be the Duchess he doesn’t believe he deserves...
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Excerpt:
“You’re wrong. Lord Jeffries did not behave badly. But your cousin did reveal something quite extraordinary about you.”
Tristan stood still as he watched his wife. “What might that be?”
Olivia moved away from the wall to press a finger against his chest. “You do not want children because you fear they will be like you. That they will speak like you.”
Tristan stiffened beneath her finger. He stared wordlessly at her, his heart pounding like a drum. His throat tightened, and his fists clenched at his sides. He couldn’t believe Spencer had revealed that truth to his wife. Betrayal, sharp and bitter, cut through him, and he wondered what the hell his cousin had been thinking.
His cousin knew only because Tristan had confided in him a decade ago after arriving home from Oxford on holiday. Tristan had had a particularly difficult session after a professor had required his students to speak on a topic. He’d known he stuttered worse under stress, but the half hour speech had been intolerable. He’d been convinced that he’d never want his offspring to go through a similar, miserable experience.
Unwanted, old emotions arose within him. Incompetence. Frustration. Embarrassment. His mother’s voice could never be silenced. He wasn’t good enough, intelligent enough, worthy enough to be her son and his father’s heir.
It was Tristan’s shame, his cross to bear.
He’d never been celibate, but the women in his past knew how to prevent an unwanted pregnancy. But Olivia was his wife. He couldn’t take the risk.
“I do not wish to s…s-peak of it.”
“Of course not. But your beliefs are unfounded. There is no reason to think that your children will—”
“I said I do not wish to speak of it.” This time, the words were delivered clearly and harshly.
Pain flashed in her eyes. He knew how badly words could hurt, and he wanted to take them back, to pull her into his arms and kiss her, to soothe the sting of his harsh delivery.
She knows, dammit.
No one could guarantee a child would not be like him. She’d never understand, could never live a day in his shoes. He knew firsthand that no one could shelter a child for its entire life.
“You believe the worst of everyone, especially me. That I trapped you into marriage. And you came here tonight believing I’ve seduced Lord Jeffries into having a liaison.”
At the mention of Spencer, his jaw hardened. He didn’t believe she’d seduced him, more like his cousin had seduced her.
Tristan reached for her hand. “Enough talk. It’s time to go.”
She evaded his grasp. “Why? Since I am such a nuisance as your wife, leave me here.”
“Olivia.” His voice was full of warning.
“You needn’t worry. I shall find my own way home. I’m sure Lord Jeffries will be more than happy to escort me.”
His mind exploded with all his pent-up fears and frustrations. He didn’t think. Tossing her over his shoulder, he headed for the back doors of the club.
Copyright © 2019 by Tina Gabrielle
About Tina Gabrielle:
Best-selling author TINA GABRIELLE is an attorney and mechanical engineer whose love of reading for pleasure helped her get through years of academia. She often picked up a romance and let her fantasies of knights in shining armor and lords and ladies carry her away. She is the author of adventurous Regency historical romances for Entangled Publishing and Kensington Books. Tina also writes best-selling cozy mysteries as Tina Kashian for Kensington Books.
Publisher’s Weekly calls her Regency Barrister’s series, “Well-matched lovers…witty comradely repartee.” Tina’s books have been Barnes & Noble top picks, and her first book, Lady Of Scandal, was nominated as best first historical by Romantic Times Book Reviews. Tina lives in New Jersey and is married to her own hero and is blessed with two daughters. She loves to hear from readers.
Visit her website to learn about upcoming releases, join her newsletter, and enter free monthly contests at www.tinagabrielle.com
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