Meriel Shelby loses her friends and her place in society when her banker father commits suicide rather than admit he's bankrupt. Thrown into poverty with her sisters, Meriel takes a job as governess in the Duke of Thanet's household. After a quick interview with the duke, Meriel travels to his country estate to teach his bright young son. Her feelings of peace end when the duke returns. His remote manner is gone and in its place is a pleasant, but slightly arrogant, man who gazes at Meriel with desire. Her feelings of unease make her think something is just not right about the man.

Richard O'Neill, the illegitimate and nearly identical brother of Cecil, the Duke of Thanet, responds to his brother's plea to masquerade as him. Consumption threatens Cecil's life and concern for his son's safety from an unscrupulous uncle force him to beg for Richard's aid. Richard puts aside his hatred for the aristocrats and the power they wield. Instead, he remembers Cecil as a young boy who fought for him against the duchess' hatred and his father's neglect.

Richard finds trying to maintain his disguise and cover his interest in the pretty governess proves harder than he thought. The danger to his nephew grows and Richard discovers Meriel is a useful ally. Desire grows between them as they struggle to protect the young future duke.

THE DUKE IN DISGUISE is a tale about the lure of power and the slippery path to corruption. Richard, with his best intentions, feels the seductive pull and only with Meriel's unwavering support and love can he resist. Ms. Callen gives readers a thoughtful and still romantic read.

Book Summary

Who is this man?

The Duke of Thanet may have hired her as a governess to his six-year-old son, but there is something . . . different about the devilish rogue standing before her today. He seems to study her with an intensity she never noticed before, and he is certainly more charming than the last time they encountered each other. Was there always an alluring glint in his dark eyes? But the duke has a notoriously scandalous reputation, and Meriel will not let herself succumb.

Masquerading as the duke was not the simple solution Richard O'Neill had envisioned. When his ailing half- brother, the real duke, asked him to protect his young heir from a greedy enemy, Richard agreed. But he never thought he'd be attracted to the inquisitive governess, or that each moment in her intoxicating presence would tempt him beyond all reason. And letting down his guard could prove dangerous . . . especially to Richard's own heart.