"Passionate, delightful debut novel from Ms. Long."

Rebecca Tremain has never been interested in the ladylike activities her mother has struggled to teach her. She'd much rather ride and shoot than play pianoforte or do needlework. Her wild, unconventional ways soon land her in a compromising position and, although innocent of any wrongdoing, her parents insist she marry Lord Edelston to avoid the scandal. Seeing a lifetime of boredom and servitude stretching out before her, Rebecca decides to run away and turns to the one person who's always been there for her, Irish groom Connor Riordan.

Connor understands only too well the pain of facing a future determined by duty rather than preference or happiness. Fate offers him a way out when a case of mistaken identity leads all to believe he was killed at Waterloo. Born the fifth Duke of Dunbrooke, Connor seizes the opportunity to leave that life behind and forge a new one. Never able to say no to Rebecca, he helps her escape from her family and fiancé. While on the run, the pair comes to realize the affection they've always shared has grown into something much deeper.

A wonderful blend of action and passion, this story is pure delight to read. This is Ms Long's first book, and I can't wait to see more from her.

Reviewed by Tish Glasson
Posted July 10, 2004

Summary

No one could ever accuse Rebecca Tremaine of being a proper young lady. She's wretched at embroidery, pitiful at the pianoforte, and entirely too informed about the human body, courtesy of her father's Scientific Journals. And now she's been compromised by a dandy she despises! When her parents arrange a hasty marriage to save her honor, there is only one man she can turn to for help. Nobody has any idea that Irish groom Connor Riordan is actually the fifth Duke of Dunbrooke, "killed" in action at Waterloo, and he wants it to stay that way. But a true gentleman can never turn away from a damsel in distress. Soon Connor and Rebecca dash away and into a world of adventure, where they are pursued by bumbling highwaymen, a scheming duchess, and Rebecca's fiancé. Being by the side of the beautiful and desirable Rebecca jeopardizes Connor's secret every day—and tests his willpower every night. For if ever there was a reason to bring the Duke of Dunbrooke back from the dead, it would be to make Ms. Tremaine his Duchess!