The Duchess

Jordan’s scintillating second Scandalous Ladies of London Regency romance (after The Countess) follows Valencia, the Dowager Duchess of Dedham, whose freedom is finally in sight as her socially mandated year of mourning the accidental death of her abusive ex-husband draws to a close. Then attractive Welshman Rhain, the new Duke of Dedham, arrives at her London home (now his) with his six unwed sisters and mother in tow. Before Valencia can depart London for the remote dower house in Yorkshire, Rhain, who is unaccustomed to the rules of London society, asks Valencia to help his sisters navigate the social season. Valencia’s continued residence at the townhouse puts her and the new duke in close proximity, especially as their quarters share a tempting connecting door. Though Valencia is reluctant to be under any man’s control ever again, she can’t help her attraction to Rhain, whose good-hearted kindness will make readers swoon. In a plot development that Jordan masterfully utilizes to expose the dark side of glittering Regency society, the stolen moments of happiness between this well-suited duo are marred by blackmail when someone claims to know a scandalous secret Valencia harbors. The resilient heroine, powerful emotional and sexual chemistry, and hint of intrigue make this one to be savored. Agent: Maura E. Kye-Casella, Don Congdon Assoc. (Mar.)