“I grow less grumpy by the second.” He deftly loosened the linen strip beneath her shirt, let it fall to the ground, and skimmed his palm over her tantalizingly lush curves.
Her eyes fluttered shut, and a blissful sigh escaped her lips. “You’ve changed me too. I’ve figured out what the debutante’s best revenge truly is.”
“What is that?” he murmured.
“It’s freedom … and pleasure … and happiness. But most of all, it’s love.”
“You have my heart, Lily. Now and always.”
“You have mine as well.” She cradled his face in her hands and gazed at him, her heavy-lidded, green eyes glowing. “Take me to your bed, Nash. Love me till”—she shot him a wicked grin—“till I cannot recall my own name.”
Chuckling, he swept her into his arms, cradled her body against his chest, and carried her directly to his bedchamber, where he proceeded to do just as she’d asked.
Don’t miss these other charming titles
by Anna Bennett
The Debutante Diaries
FIRST EARL I SEE TONIGHT
The Wayward Wallflowers
THE ROGUE IS BACK IN TOWN
I DARED A DUKE
MY BROWN-EYED EARL
And don’t miss the next sensational novel in the Debutante Diaries coming Summer 2020
Also available in the new Debutante Diaries series
FIRST EARL I SEE TONIGHT
And don’t miss the novels in the Wayward Wallflowers series
MY BROWN-EYED EARL
I DARED THE DUKE
THE ROGUE IS BACK IN TOWN
From St. Martin’s Paperbacks
Praise for Anna Bennett’s Wayward Wallflowers Series
The Rogue Is Back in Town
“Fans of Regency romance authors Eloisa James, Tessa Dare, and Mary Jo Putney will go wild for the final installment of Bennett’s Wayward Wallflowers trilogy.”
—Booklist (starred review)
“Smart and sassy romance … simply a joy!”
—RT Book Reviews (A Top Pick)
“A standout historical romance novel … truly delightful.”
—Romancing the Bookworm
—Kirkus Reviews
“Entertaining … [offers] plenty to satisfy Regency fans.”
—Publishers Weekly
I Dared the Duke
“Sharply drawn characters, clever dialogue, simmering sensuality, and a dash of mystery make this well-crafted Regency thoroughly delightful.”
—Library Journal
“Readers will enjoy this sassy Regency take on the classic Beauty and the Beast tale.”
—Booklist
“A captivating page-turner that will become a new favorite among romance enthusiasts!”
—BookPage
“Will truly win readers’ hearts.”
—RT Book Reviews (A Top Pick)
“Bennett brings new life to traditional Regency stories and characters.”
—Kirkus Reviews
“Scrumptious … I devoured every word! A hot and wounded hero, a heroine you wish could be your friend in real life, and witty scenes that sparkle with life … The Wayward Wallflowers just keep getting better!”
—Laura Lee Guhrke, New York Times bestselling author
My Brown-Eyed Earl
“Heart, humor, and a hot hero. Everything I look for in a great romance novel!”
—Valerie Bowman
“One bliss-giving read … witty and whimsical.”
—USA Today
“Delightful historical romance.”
—Night Owl Reviews (A Top Pick)
“Heartwarming and joyous … a delightful read.”
—RT Book Reviews
About the Author
Anna Bennett started swiping romances from her mom’s bookshelf as a teenager and decided that books with balls, dukes, and gowns were the best. So when she had the chance to spend a semester in London she packed her bags—and promptly fell in love with the city, its history, and its pubs. She dreamed of writing romance, but somehow ended up a software analyst instead.
Fortunately, a few years and a few careers later, Anna found her way back to writing the stories she loves and won the Romance Writers of America’s Golden Heart®. She lives in Maryland with her husband and three children, who try valiantly not to roll their eyes whenever she quotes Jane Austen. Other weaknesses include reality TV, cute shoes, and coffee. Lots and lots of coffee.
Anna’s books include of the Wayward Wallflowers series and the Debutante Diaries series. You can sign up for email updates here.
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Contents
Title Page
Copyright Notice
Dedication
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Also available in the new Debutante Diaries series
Praise for Anna Bennett’s Wayward Wallflowers Series
About the Author
Copyright
This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, organizations, and events portrayed in this novel are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.
THE DUKE IS BUT A DREAM
Copyright © 2019 by Anna Bennett.
All rights reserved.
For information address St. Martin’s Press, 120 Broadway, New York, NY 10271.
www.stmartins.com
eISBN: 9781250199492
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St. Martin’s Paperbacks edition / August 2019
St. Martin’s Paperbacks are published by St. Martin’s Press, 120 Broadway, New York, NY 10271.