While the Duke Was Sleeping

A secret identity complicates a budding love affair in Parish’s (How To Win a Wallflower) new Regency romance. When Cordelia leaves her betrothed at the altar, her lady’s maid, Adelaide Rosebourne, helps her escape to a tiny village. However, after the local duke proposes marriage and is promptly knocked unconscious in Cordelia’s presence, Adelaide is tapped to pose as Cordelia, rush to the duke’s side, and try to fix the situation. Unfortunately, Adelaide soon finds herself falling for the duke’s rakish brother Rhett Montgomery, who is back from misbehaving across the European continent, even as she pretends to be the duke’s happy bride-to-be. While the story features some excellent moments, both funny and sweet, the plot is a little convoluted. Still, the combination—a likable, working-class heroine and a scoundrel with a secret heart of gold—is a winner, and Rhett’s quirky sisters, not to mention his ducal brother, will make readers hope for several sequels.