Sins of a Wicked Duke » (Original)

Sophie Jordan grew up on a pecan farm in the Texas hill country, where she wove fantasies of dragons, warriors, and princesses. A former high school English teacher, she's also the New York Times bestselling author of Avon historical romances. She now lives in Houston with her family. When she's not writing, she spends her time overloading on caffeine (lattes and Diet cherry Coke preferred), talking plotlines with anyone who will listen (including her kids), and cramming her DVR with true-crime and reality-TV shows.

She works to live . . .

One would think the last place a beauty like Fallon O'Rourke could keep her virtue was in the Mayfair mansion of London's most licentious duke, the notorious Dominic Hale. Yet Fallon—who's endured nothing but lecherous advances since her father's tragic death—is perfectly safe there . . . disguised as a footman! Beneath the notice of the dark-haired devil with his smoldering blue eyes and sinful smile, Fallon never imagines her secret will be discovered. But how long can her deception last when she begins to wish she is one of the many women traipsing in and out of the sinful rogue's bedchamber?

He lives to sin . . .

Most men envy the duke, never suspecting his pleasure-loving ways are a desperate attempt to escape, however briefly, the pain of a past that's left him with a heart of stone. Only one woman can break down his defenses. Only one woman can win his love . . . if she reveals her secret and succumbs to the sins of the wicked duke.

Publishers Weekly

A beautiful working-class girl finds true love with a licentious rake in the promising opening of a new Regency romance series. Orphaned heroine Fallon O'Rourke is one of a trio of resourceful young women who have moved from the Penwich School for Virtuous Girls into household service to the ton. Fallon dodges several lecherous employers and finally finds safety in male disguise as a footman, working for the notoriously decadent Dominic Hale. As Fallon fights her growing desire for her new boss and Dominic puzzles over his unusual interest in his young employee, their growing closeness endangers both Fallon's secret and her virtue. Jordan (Surrender to Me) only sketches the Regency setting, keeping a tight focus on Dominic's household, but sizzling sexual tension between the leads makes for a thoroughly satisfying romantic romp. (Apr.)

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