The Duke's Desire by Claire Delacroix

The duke and the courtesan make an arrangement but both are surprised by the results...

The duke's desire

Esmeralda Ballantyne is the most successful courtesan in London, a woman envied by many and a mystery to all. When her past threatens the future of her younger sister, she finds an unexpected champion in the Duke of Haynesdale, a gentleman driven by his honor to intervene on her behalf, despite his disapproval of her trade. Does she dare to trust her newfound protector with her truth, or is the duke – like so many men of her acquaintance – interested in only one kind of compensation from her? As much as she refuses to surrender to any man, Esmeralda fears her impulse will lead her astray…will the price of capitulation be her fiercely defended independence or her heart?

Damien DeVries, the Duke of Haynesdale, abandoned his rakehell ways when his father bought his commission. The youngest of three sons, he never expected to inherit the duchy, and finds himself discontent, burdened by responsibilities and – according to his mother – past due to wed and provide an heir. The difficulty is that the only woman of interest is the forbidden beauty, Miss Ballantyne. There could not be a less appropriate choice for his duchess, but no other woman tempts him…

Drawn together by an irresistible desire, duke and courtesan agree to a short affair. But their mutual need proves insatiable, growing stronger with each night together. The duke becomes convinced that they must marry – but can Esmeralda ever trust a man fully? Her one last secret will either draw them together or drive them apart forever – when she finally shares it, can they put the betrayals of the past behind and forge a future on their own terms?

Genre: FICTION / Romance / Regency

Secondary Genre: FICTION / Romance / Historical / Victorian

Language: English

Keywords: opposites attract, enemies to lovers, love unexpected, disguise, hidden identity, secret baby

Word Count: 91,000

Sales info:

This is the sixth book in the series. Please don't offer to translate it before the first five books.


Sample text:

The key turned in the lock of Esmeralda’s prison and she rose to her feet. She backed against the wall farthest from the door as had become her custom. She was well aware that she was much weaker than she had been, and dirtier as well, her battle against the filth of her environs lost in daily increments. She still gripped the comb she was prepared to use in her own defense, but she knew her hold upon it was less vigorous. The spark within her requiring that she fight to the bitter end was fading, compromised by hunger and exhaustion. There were days when she wished to close her eyes and never open them again. There were days when she did not wish for a future, if it was to be more of the same.

To her surprise, an unfamiliar older man appeared in the doorway. The jailor hung back, as if with deference, and did not indulge in his usual crude commentary. That was different. Esmeralda felt her eyes narrow with suspicion.

Her visitor had to have seen fifty summers. He was dressed well, but not flamboyantly, his jacket and breeches cut of good woolen tweed in muted shades of gray. His coat was slate grey, his stock was a silvery grey silk and held by a sapphire stud of tasteful but not extravagant size. His cane might have been ebony, his boots were polished to a gleam and his gloves were gleaming white. He lifted a pair of pince-nez to his face and peered through them at Esmeralda.

“Miss Ballantyne?” he said. “Miss Esmeralda Ballantyne?”

“The very same, sir.”

He nodded once and put his pince nez away. “I am Mr. Greene and bring you news, Miss Ballantyne, that you may find most welcome.”

Greene. Where had Esmeralda heard that name before? It seemed she lost her wits in this place, for so many details had become tantalizing hints instead of easily recallable facts. She knew she had heard that name recently, but could not place it.


Book translation status:

The book is available for translation into any language except those listed below:

LanguageStatus
Italian
Translation in progress. Translated by Letizia PIPERO

Would you like to translate this book? Make an offer to the Rights Holder!



  Return