I've Got My Duke to Keep Me Warm

October 27, 2014
A bitter revenge scheme provides the chance for new love in Bowen’s promising debut historical. Gisele Whitby has the poor fortune to be married to Adam Le­vire, the sadistic Marquess of Valence. To escape her husband, she fakes her own death in a terrible fire in 1812 London. Four years later, she’s ready to get her revenge by discrediting the man who left her with physical and emotional scars. She hires handsome former cavalry officer James “Jamie” Montcrief, the bastard son of a duke, to help in her plot. A powerful attraction grows between Gisele and Jamie, but Gisele refuses to let her desire cloud her judgment or spoil her plans. Adam, desperate for cash, plans to marry innocent Lady Julia Hextall, daughter of the Earl of Boden. Gisele is as determined to stop the wedding as Levine is to see it through. Despite a slow start, when Bowen finally gets things moving, the pace is sure and swift. Fans of romance with a touch of suspense will enjoy the work of this new author. Agent: Stefanie Lieberman, Janklow & Nesbit Associates.

Starred review from December 15, 2014
Gisele Whitby needs a man, but not just any guy will do. If her plan has any chance of succeeding, she needs a man who is clever, charming, courageous, and can convincingly play the role of a nobleman. Much to Gisele's surprise, she finds exactly whom she needs, Jamie Montcrief, mucking out the stalls of the inn where she and her friend Sebastien are staying. Four years ago, Gisele escaped an abusive marriage to Adam Levire, the Marquess of Valence, by dying. Gisele has recently learned Levire is about to marry Julia Hextall, and she is determined to prevent the sweet girl from going through the hell she did. All Gisele needs is someone to woo Julia away from Levire, and she is convinced that once he is cleaned up and given the right monetary incentive, Jamie will succeed perfectly. With this unforgettable debut, Bowen proves she is a writer to watch as she spins a multilayered plot skillfully seasoned with danger and deception and involving wonderfully complex protagonists and a memorable cast of supporting characters. In all, a truly remarkable romance well worth savoring.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2014, American Library Association.)