THE DUKE IN DISGUISE

Author: Gayle Callen ISBN: 0060784121 7/2006 HISTORICAL Publisher: AVON
Time Period: England 1844

The Duke of Thanet may have hired her as a governess to his six-year-old son, but there is something...different about the devilish rogue standing before her today. He seems to study her with an intensity she never noticed before, and he is certainly more charming than the last time they encountered each other. Was there always an alluring glint in his dark eyes? But the duke has a notoriously scandalous reputation, and Meriel will not let herself succumb. Masquerading as the duke was not the simple solution Richard O'Neill had envisioned. When his ailing half-brother, the real duke, asked him to protect his young heir for a greedy enemy, Richard agreed. But he never thought he'd be attracted to the inquisitive governess, or that each moment in her intoxicating presence would tempt him beyond all reason. And letting down his guard could prove dangerous...especially to Richard's own heart.

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

Fans of Gayle Callen's THE LORD NEXT DOOR will undoubtedly be happy with her follow up book, THE DUKE IN DISGUISE. It is her second book in the Sisters of Willow Pond trilogy. If you haven't read the previous book, not to worry, THE DUKE IN DISGUISE stands by itself.

At the beginning of THE DUKE IN DISGUISE we meet Meriel Shelby. She has taken the position of governess to the Duke of Thanet's son, Stephen. When the Duke returns to his estate after recovering from an illness, Miss Shelby can't help but think that the returning Duke is really quite a handsome and seductive man. But, hearing rumors of how he runs his household and his sexual prowess, Meriel decides to concentrate on her job and keep her distance from the Duke. However, the Duke takes an intense and sudden interest towards his six-year-old son and Meriel finds herself in his company often. She can't help notice that there is something peculiar about the returning Duke, and if that doesn't bother her enough—the thought of his kisses will.

Richard O'Neill knows that the promise he made to his ailing half brother, the real Duke of Thanet, is not going to be easy. He must protect his nephew from danger, and the only way to do that is to impersonate the real Duke. Not only is this impersonation going to be difficult, keeping his control around Meriel Shelby is proving to be an even harder task.

THE DUKE IN DISGUISE was an entertaining read. The encounters between Meriel and Richard were quite amusing and when they finally succumb to their desires, it is a hot coupling!! The Duke's son, Stephen, is a likable and very lovable little boy. All three of them carry the story along rather smoothly.

I would recommend reading Gayle Callen's THE DUKE IN DISGUISE.

Julie Kornhausl