“Maxwell delivers sweetly scintillating romance spiced with a dash of mystery in the first novel of her Marrying the Duke Regency series.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review)

In New York Times–bestselling author Cathy Maxwell’s glittering new series, wedding bells are ringing . . . until the return of a rake throws a bride’s plans—and heart—into a tailspin.

Every debutante aspires to snag a duke. Elin Morris just happens to have had one reserved since birth. But postponements of her marriage to London’s most powerful peer give Elin time to wonder how she will marry Gavin Baynton when she cannot forget his brother, Benedict.

Already exasperated at being yanked from the military to meet “family obligations,” now Ben must suffer watching his arrogant sibling squire the only woman he has ever loved. Joining the army saved Ben from sinking into bitterness, but seeing Elin again takes him back to the day they surrendered to their intoxicating desire.

As the wedding draws near, Elin tries to push Ben far from her thoughts. When danger brings them together, there is no denying their feelings. But can Elin choose love over duty. . . ?

“Maxwell infuses the first of her new series with great depth of emotion. Readers will experience her characters’ anger, frustration, sadness and joy, and they’ll sigh with satisfaction at this master storyteller’s ability to create a delightful, emotional read.” —RT Book Reviews (4 stars)

“The love story is one of the best parts of the novel . . . The characters are likable.” —Kirkus Reviews