What the Duke Desiresby Jenna Petersenreviewed by Leanne DavisNovember 2009, 384 pages, Publisher: Avon, ISBN: 0061470821 Back Cover Blurb: As the new Duke of Billingham, Simon Crathorne has one main duty to fulfill: find a proper wife and continue his family's exalted name. But of all the eligible women who have come to his country party, he desires only one. And she may be the most unsuitable bride of all.
Lillian Mayhew is desperate to expose a devastating secret about Simon's distinguished late father so she can salvage her family's reputation. Yet from the moment she meets her rakishly handsome host, she begins to question if she can destroy his world so callously. She once wanted nothing more than to destroy his good name - and now she wants nothing more than his kiss.
Caught between vengeance and ecstasy, Simon and Lillian begin a passionate affair. But betrayal lurks behind every stolen touch - and the duke's shocking past may be his ultimate undoing . . .
Lillian Mayhew has obtained an invitation to a country house party through the auspices of a good friend. She is determined to learn the truth about the former Duke of Billingham. As her father died, he begged his son to make public the hypocrisy of the duke. The duke's reputation was that of a good man who worked hard, took his parliamentary duties seriously, and dealt fairly with everyone. Her father reveals that the duke raped his wife leading to a melancholy which led to her suicide. Even though the family hushed it up, society finds out the truth and shuns the Mayhew family. With the new duke on the market, there will be so many people around that it should allow her to search for the information she needs to expose the truth.
Simon Crathorne accepts the fact that he must marry to provide an heir to the title. Simon's father left him a legacy to maintain, not just that of the title but the repuation of an admirable man. Simon's mother has never been openly affectionate but his father always had time for him. While he dreads the upcoming house party, he is prepared to do his duty. The one woman who intrigues him is Lillian Mayhew. Despite the rumors about her family and his mother's warning, Simon is drawn to Lillian. Her attitude puzzles him since she is friendly at times but withdraws when he gets too close.
As Lillian spends more time with Simon, she finds herself fighting the attraction she feels. As she learns more about Simon's childhood and his adoration of his father, she wonders whether she should carry through with her plans. The harder she tries to avoid Simon, the more attention he pays her. As the relationship between Lillian and Simon deepens, they search together to learn the truth of Mr. Mayhew's allegations against the late duke. The more they learn, the more Simon turns to Lillian for the support his mother won't provide. The secrets they discover will impact Simon's life in a deeply emotional way.
Ms. Peterson has written a heart-wrenching story about how secrets, when exposed, can alter life forever. Lillian learns that revenge doesn't always bring the satisfaction that she expects, especially when she is romantically involved with the man who will have all his illusions destroyed. Simon learns much about his father and his own life that is painful and alter his perceptions of what his life should be. Only with the support of Lillian will he be able to carry on and fulfill his destiny. Even with the romance, I found What the Duke Desires to be a very sad story. It's painful to see someone so destroyed that the entire foundation of their life is affected. Be prepared for a good - but intense - read.
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