Marcus Reese, Duke of Essex, has had to bail his twin brother out of another mess. This time, he is banishing David from London. David flew out of his carriage while racing and he is brought to Hanna Preston's house, the vicar's widow, to recuperate. Hannah has to find new living arrangements for herself and her daughter when the new vicar arrives. David asks Hannah for her hand in marriage. Only when the wedding register is signed, it is Marcus's name and signature. David brings Hannah to his brother's London house and leaves her.
Now Marcus has to straighten out another of David's messes. When Marcus's stepmother and sister arrive and discover he is "married", Marcus asks Hannah to play the part of his loving wife until the mess can be sorted out. Marcus is attempting to solve a mystery and Hannah gets drawn into it. The passion between the two sizzles.
What a play on the "trapped into marriage" theme. David does one thing he considers honorable and attempts to reform then panics and signs his brother's name. After Hannah and her daughter are dumped on Marcus, there is the slow, teasing buildup to Marcus figuring out that he can't live without Hannah. I loved the sub-plot involving David. It provided a great mystery. This is a novel that I will reread several more times.
I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publishers in exchange for an honest review. Thank you.
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