Linden, Caroline

Linden (An Earl Like Me) begins her “Desperately Seeking Duke” series with a beautifully written, sensual tale that combines slow-burn heat, witty enemies-to-lovers banter, and lush details of Bianca’s career. This should please readers of Eva Leigh’s “Union of Rakes” series or Sally MacKenzie’s What Ales the Earl.

The hero-with-amnesia plot takes some unexpected turns (readers may be interested to know that a discussion of the slave trade—abolished in 1807 in England—appears in the third act), but comes together for a satisfying and romantic ending that won’t disappoint fans of this stunning series (after An Earl Like You) from the beloved Linden.

Likable, flawed characters; an abundance of hot, passionate sex (helped along by Lady Constance and her notorious 50 Ways To Sin pamphlets); and a host of concerns that need sorting out result in a fast-paced, occasionally dangerous adventure. Another couple are happy at last, with enough unanswered questions here to keep fans anxious for the next book in the series. Linden (It Takes a Scandal) lives near Boston.