...when conscience and attraction collide
I enjoyed Titus and Eleanor's story. A woman ruined and repudiated at the bidding of another. Eleanor Lockhart, or rather Nora, ten years ago was caught kissing a careless rake who had hinted at marriage but reneged when they were discovered. Little did Nora know that Titus, as leader of the group, had encouraged this outrageous behaviour.
When Titus St. John, Duke of Kendal, realizes the worthlessness of these pursuits he forswears his hedonistic life and only appears during the season for one reason--the ball held by his beloved stepmother, Lady Satterfield. Titus only ever dances one dance, and that with a nonentity. Over the years this behaviour has earned him the dubious title, the Forbidden Duke. To dance with him is to be elevated to 'interesting' Nora's living circumstances have changed. She seeks a position as a companion and Titus's stepmother employs her. She has decided to give Nora the season missed. Lady Satterfield seeks the help of Titus. Giving that help just might be more than Nora or Titus expected.
The tension between the two is palpable and makes for some amusing situations. The picture of Titus as the reformed rake who flees society and turns his back on his hedonistic pursuits, all the while trying to assuage his latterly awakened conscience, is well done.
A NetGalley ARC
***1/2
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