Sophia, Lady Claxton, is in no mood for holiday cheer. The only thing she wants this Christmas is for the ton to enjoy the surprise party she planned for her grandfather's birthday and then she intends to make a hasty retreat to spend the holiday alone. She certainly never expected to come face to face with her estranged husband - the man who broke her heart by abandoning her eight months ago. Determined to hold her head up high, she refuses to let anyone see how hurt - or how humiliated - she is by his behaviour. She does the one thing a well-bred noblewoman must: she welcomes her faithless husband home with a kiss...and then seeks refuge in a shuttered townhouse at the edge of London. She certainly wasn't expecting to interrupt her husband's latest assignation...

Vane, Lord Claxton knows what his beautiful young wife must think, discovering him in the arms of another woman. He can't blame Sophia. He's earned every bit of her distrust, deliberately refusing to reveal his secrets and half-truths to her. He thought it would be easier to let her - and the ton - assume the worst about him but after one look at the spirited Sophia, the hurt flashing in her eyes, he knows it's finally time to come clean. He's made mistakes with her but he's returned to London to make things right and win her love again. When a strong winter storm leaves them both stranded inside the shuttered townhouse, Vane knows this is the chance he's been waiting for but will candlelight and Christmas magic be enough to win her heart back again?

The magic of Christmas brings together an estranged husband and wife in NEVER DESIRE A DUKE, a charming Regency romance that will appeal to fans of New York Times bestsellers Sabrina Jeffries, Nicole Jordan, and Jillian Hunter.

About the Author
Lily Dalton grew up as an Army brat, moving from place to place. Her first stop after relocating was always the local library, where she could hang out with familiar friends: Books! Lily has an English degree from Texas A & M University and after graduation worked as a legal assistant in the fields of accident reconstruction and litigation. She now lives in Houston, Texas, with her family. When she isn't at work on her next manuscript, she spends her time trying out new recipes, cheering on her favorite Texas football teams and collecting old dishes, vintage linens and other fine 'junque' from thrift stores and flea markets.

Reviews
RAVE REVIEWS FOR NEVER DESIRE A DUKE:

"Dalton's Regency debut resonates with real feeling...Unlike some one-note tortured heroes, Vane is sincere and appealing. Sophia's pain is very real, and every interaction is fraught with honest emotion. As they struggle to recapture their romance, readers will feel deep sympathy with both characters and hope for them to find happiness." - --Publishers Weekly starred review

The first in Dalton's One Scandalous Season series grabs the reader's emotions in an intensely passionate love story, filled with misunderstandings, past indiscretions, trust and forgiveness. But, for all the intensity, this gifted storyteller also deftly lightens the mood in a very well-written and satisfying read by adding a few zany characters bent on mischief and mayhem. - --RT Book Reviews

Never Desire a Duke is a terrific debut novel--it reminded me of Lisa Kleypas' most memorable novels with a to-die-for hero and a lovely but heartbroken heroine. It's an intensely beautiful moving story (but it does have it's funny moments) and you won't be able to help yourself--you'll be rooting for them to get back together. - The Ever After Romance Book Specialists www.everafter.com


Awards
Short-listed for RITA award for Romance Fiction 2014 (UK).



Book Information
ISBN 9781455524013
Author Lily Dalton
Format Paperback
Page Count 400
Imprint Forever
Publisher Little, Brown & Company
Weight(grams) 212g
Dimensions(mm) 170mm * 108mm * 31mm