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The rules of society don't apply to Caro and her coterie of bold men and daring women. But when passions flare, even the strongest will surrender to the law of love... Thomas, Duke of Castleton, has every intention of wedding a prim and proper heiress. That is, until he sets eyes on the heiress's cousin, easily the least proper woman he's ever met. His devotion to family duty is no defense against the red-headed vixen whose greatest asset seems to be a talent for trouble... Caroline Townsend has no patience for the oh-so-suitable (and boring) men of the ton. So when the handsome but stuffy duke arrives at her doorstep, she decides to put him to the test. But her scandalous exploits awaken a desire in Thomas he never knew he had. Suddenly Caro finds herself falling for this most proper duke...while Thomas discovers there's a great deal of fun in a little bit of wickedness. This is the first of a four book series centered around a group of badly behaved late-Georgian art collectors.
Publication Year: 2012
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A widow of questionable reputation meets a Duke who desires to marry a wealthy woman of good moral fiber.
Caro ran off to Gretna Green at 17 with a man she loved. She found herself living a life full of parties and craziness until her husband started gambling. When he does unexpectedly, she is left with a lot of creditors and one very expensive painting.
I liked the characters and the overall story. A widow with secrets and the desire to enjoy life. A Duke who is to marry for money but finds himself drawn to the chaperone instead. There is some intrigue around the painting & a villain or two.
My biggest issue is with Caro. She behaves like a child though most of the book. She acts impulsively, gets angry with anyone who tries to help, and refuses to entertain the fact that her husband was irresponsible & shallow. Yes she married young but the circumstances she’s in should have given her a wake up call. Her immaturity grayed on my nerves. She is thoughtless and it’s played off as fun.
It was a quick read but not particularly memorable.