The Duke's Reluctant Bride

This book is by
Trick and Kendra's story…
fourth in the Sweet Chase Brides series!

England & Scotland, 1668

Lady Kendra Chase's brothers insist it's high time she wed. But although they've presented her with an abundance of suitable young men, no one has caught her fancy—until her coach is held up by a dashing, mysterious highwayman. When the two of them are caught in a compromising embrace and her overprotective brothers demand they marry, Kendra is aghast. Are they really desperate enough to match her with an outlaw?

Patrick “Trick” Caldwell is the new Duke of Amberley—and also the so-called Black Highwayman. But he’s about to realize that leading a double life isn’t nearly as complicated as marriage. When he’s compelled to wed beautiful, headstrong Kendra, he finds himself caught between his perilous secret mission and his watchful new bride. Can Trick untangle the web of half-truths and heartache before he loses his one chance at love?

Series Info

Sweet Chase Brides

The Marquess of Cainewood and his siblings are eminent members of King Charles II’s merry English court. But Jason, Colin, Kendra, and Ford are also family—which means they’re loud, argumentative, and always meddling in each other’s lives. As the four Chases find their own happily ever afters, they help and hinder one another through the ups and downs of first loves that just might last forever…

The Earl's Unsuitable BrideThe Marquess's Scottish BrideThe Laird's Fairytale BrideThe Duke's Reluctant BrideThe Viscount's Wallflower BrideThe Baron's Inconvenient BrideThe Gentleman's Scandalous BrideThe Cavalier's Christmas BrideA Chase Brides ChristmasAlice Betrothed

Book Info

  • A full-length novel (equal to about 410 printed book pages)
  • PG-rated content: Kisses only, no love scenes! If you prefer steamy books, A Duke's Guide to Seducing His Bride is a steamy version of this book.

Awards (for the original edition)

  • A Romantic Times K.I.S.S. Award-winning Hero!
  • Finalist for the Booksellers' Best award!
  • Booklist Top Ten Romance of the Year!

Quotes from Reviewers (for the original edition)

The glitter of Restoration England is expertly evoked. Liberally laced with intrigue and danger, the book's quicksilver plot is nicely counterbalanced by the romance.Booklist (American Library Association)

This lively Restoration romance…is filled with likable characters, particularly Kendra, who takes the refreshing step of talking to her husband about his confusing behavior rather than generating conflict by jumping to conclusions. [Trick's] interactions with his family are drawn with charm and warmth … an impressive talent.Publishers Weekly (Forecasted review)

Lauren Royal sweeps readers up into the 17th century, bringing all the excitement and glamour of the Restoration to life with her colorful characters, vivid backdrop, and passionate romances. Here she incorporates lessons about family and trust, loyalty and heroism, adding the kind of depth readers cherish. —Kathe Robin, Romantic Times Magazine (4-star review!)

…brings 17th Century England vividly alive…fast-paced and filled with action from the first page to the climax.Midwest Book Review

…a tremendous Restoration romance. The storyline runs quite deep due to the lead couple. Trick is a captivating protagonist with major problems, but it is the likable and honest Kendra who makes the storyline flow. Her simply asking Trick what bothers him rather than the usual leap to a false conclusion is incredibly refreshing and yet never slows down the pace of the plot. The return of the stars from the previous tales add depth and warmth to a strong conclusion to a powerful tale that is clearly part of a royal flush. —Harriet Klausner (5-star review!)

Historical novels offer two important elements to a reader: entertainment and a dose of history that doesn't disrupt the magic of the story. [This book] juggles the two brilliantly, sending readers back to Restoration England in a delightful series of historical romances that will captivate readers with enchanting storylines and colorful characters—a grand adventure. —Cheré Coen, The Baton Rouge Advocate

... a precious jewel. It captures the true essence of Scotland with a tale of strength and endurance that thrives primarily on human spirit…a powerfully crafted story filled with the history of the times…romance with enough adventure to keep the reader turning the pages. —Suzie Housley, MyShelf.com

A thoroughly enjoyable read! —Thea Candee, The Romance Readers Connection

Unusual and very welcome.The Romance Reader

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