An Unwilling Bride (The Company of Rogues Series, Book 2): Regency Romance

". . . what distinguishes Beverley's writing is the depth of compassion and human understanding." ~Kim E Power The Duchess of Belcraven committed a folly, and bore her husband another man's child. But Lucien was a third son, so all was patched over. Then the two older boys drowned, leaving disaster. Now, over twenty years later, the duke learns he has a legitimate daughter—Beth Armitage, a child of his blood—and he compels Lucien and Beth to marry. Lucien, now the arrogant ducal heir, is devastated to learn he is not his father's child and that the only way to his fortune is through his unwilling bride: an independent schoolteacher raised in the principles of the Rights of Women. Can there be any common ground? From The Publisher: Author Jo Beverley is known for her consumate attention to historical detail that wisks the reader back in time to a near first-hand experience. Fans of Regency romance and historical British fiction set in the 19th century, as well as readers of Jess Michaels, Mary Balogh, Christi Caldwell, Stephanie Laurens, Madeline Hunter and Mary Jo Putney will want to read every book by Jo Beverley. Romance Writers of America RITA Award, Winner Best Regency Romance, Romantic Times "...vivid and mesmerizing characters . Top notch Regency reading pleasure." ~Romantic Times "...reading about these two intelligent, strong people was such a treat." ~All About Romance Company of Rogues #2 SHE VOWED TO DESPISE HIM... Miss Elizabeth Armitage was certain the world had gone mad! The school teacher wanted nothing more than to live her life free of the shackles of matrimony. Yet, after a harrowing meeting with the elderly Duke of Belcraven, Beth found herself forced into wedding his heir, the dashing Lucien de Vaux. Caught in an aristocrat's web, Beth was determined to despise her betrothed. Yet when she began to find pleasure in Lucien's company--and his worldly kisses--she summoned all her sharp wits to keep from bowing to his arrogant will, or surrendering her well-guarded heart! HE PLEDGED TO SEDUCE HER Lucien was less than pleased to be forced into marriage in order to claim the duke's title and estate. And this woman especially rankled him--she was a nobody, a commoner--yet in a twist of fate she was the only link to continuing the bloodline for the de Vaux. The trouble was the chit's spitting temper. In defiance, she refused to act the part of an aristocrat, rejecting even the family jewels! He vowed to win her submission--for he was a master player at seduction, and Miss Armitage would soon learn she'd begun a dangerous game... The Duchess of Belcraven committed a folly, and bore her husband another man's child. But Lucien was a third son, so all was patched over.Then the two older boys drowned, leaving disaster.Now, over twenty years later, the duke learns he has a legitimate daughter--Beth Armitage, a child of his blood--and he compels Lucien and Beth to marry.Lucien, now the arrogant ducal heir, is devastated to learn he is not his father's child and that the only way to his fortune is through his unwilling bride: an independent schoolteacher raised in the principles of the Rights of Women.Can there be any common ground?AWARDS:Romance Writers of America RITA Award, WinnerBest Regency Romance, Romantic TimesREVIEWS:"...vivid and mesmerizing characters . Top notch Regency reading pleasure." ~Romantic Times"...reading about these two intelligent, strong people was such a treat." ~All About Romance Content with her independent life as a teacher, free from the bonds of matrimony, Beth Armitage suddenly finds herself trapped in a betrothal to the rakish Lucien de Vaux, Marquess of Arden, who must marry to secure his inheritance