Victorian London – 1894

Prudence Bosworth is a seamstress for a London establishment catering to spoiled young women of the ton who demand that her work be completed in record time. Lady Alberta has the handsome and eligible Rhys, Duke of St. Cyres, in her sights. He recently returned to town, and Lady Alberta is determined to marry him -- rumor has it that he is in urgent need of money, and looking for an heiress. If he is somewhat impudent, it makes him all the more attractive. Prudence’s flat mate and dear friend, Maria, works in the kitchen and commiserates with Prudence as they do their jobs. While Prudence is repairing a small rip in Lady Alberta’s dress, the duke enters to flirt with the arrogant woman, who promptly kicks over Prudence’s sewing basket in her impatience. Rhys helps Prudence pick up her sewing supplies, staring at her all the while, and she at him. He is even more handsome than she realized; her heart melts.

Rhys squandered the money he inherited from his father in Italy. Now, his finances are even worse than he thought. When his mother, whom he hasn’t seen for twelve years, arrives, she is hoping to fatten her purse, but Rhys has nothing but debts and only survives with the help of his friends. He has a reputation as a rake as well as a spendthrift, but now he must find a wealthy woman to support his life style.

Prudence is stunned when she is informed that her father has died and left her a very wealthy woman, with the stipulation that she must marry within a year. He hadn’t married her mother but, instead, went to America to make his fortune. Prudence’s aunt and uncle arrive immediately to take her in hand, and as far as they are concerned, that they have a cousin of marriageable age, so much the better! But Rhys has other plans for the lovely Prudence…

Rhys is a delightful rake and libertine in THE WICKED WAYS OF A DUKE. He is so charming that Prudence is taken in by his seeming sincerity. He finds her refreshingly honest and straight forward, without guile. Can these two disparate people have a chance of finding happiness together? They are both wonderful characters looking for that special something -- Rhys thinks it is money; Prudence thinks it is love. Will there be any surprises in their future? The secondary characters block Prudence at every turn, but Prudence isn’t quite as docile as they think. Her aunt and uncle, who weren’t concerned about her welfare when she was poor, are now caring and solicitous.

The pace and writing in THE WICKED WAYS OF A DUKE are excellent. Ms. Guhrke knows how to turn a phrase and makes the book fascinating from beginning to end. The conversation is realistic, and all the characters play their parts to perfection. If you are in the mood for a fantastic historical romance, look no further, this is the book for you. A Perfect 10.

Marilyn Heyman