“I read it in one sitting – and now I’m going to read it again slowly and savour each vivid description and enjoy the carefully constructed tension. Leigh D’Ansey displays her mastery of words in both dialogue and pace. Not my usual genre but I truly enjoyed this romantic Regency romp.” Deryn Pittar – five star review.

Vanessa Fitzwilliam is in dire straits. Her father’s death a year before has left her with a crumbling manor house and a handful of old retainers who are relying on her for support. When the Most Noble Hugo Ashton, Duke of Northbridge sweeps into her life and proposes a marriage of convenience, Vanessa is tempted—but the Duke believes her to be something she is not!

Hardened by the ravages of war, Northbridge seeks a wife who will provide him with an heir but make no demands on his emotions. The scandalously experienced Vanessa, neither clinging nor innocent, seems the perfect choice. But Northbridge isn’t prepared for her reluctance to accept him, nor his own fierce reaction to her beauty. To fulfil his desires, he is prepared to be ruthless, but can he bend Vanessa to his will? Or has the Duke met his match?!