Once Upon A Dare

by Patricia Scragg

At one and thirty, Nicholas Granville, the sixth Duke of Rivington, has finally reconciled himself to the fact that he must marry and beget an heir. The handsome, powerful Duke has little interest in the empty-headed young ladies his mother has paraded before him over the last several seasons. Knowing all these eligible maidens are merely seeking his title and fortune. His life thus far has been one of decorum and duty, and although his ventures have increased his vast wealth, it has all left him feeling adrift and unfulfilled. Thus, seeing no alternative, he has finally resigned himself to choose among this season’s offerings of eligible maidens, not caring which maiden he chooses. Only that he does in fact choose. The powerful sought-after Duke has a legendary reputation. A reputation to never turn nor walk away from a dare. Fate takes a very decided hand when the unwitting dare comes from none other than his own mother. Just moments after promising to marry the very next eligible young maiden to cross his path, the lovely young housemaid, Lizzie, mistakenly pops her head into his study. Hearing his mother exclaim, “Nicholas, you wouldn’t dare!”, sets off a chain of events turning everyone’s life upside down. These two very unlikely people find themselves in unchartered circumstances. Lizzie must learn to navigate the strict rules of the haute ton. The Duke uses his powerful influence to help smooth Lizzie’s transition from maid to Duchess. While Lizzie brings a warmth and caring to the unsuspecting Duke. Both showing each other a life they could never have imaged.As their relationship blossoms, a jealous Viscount becomes a dangerous threat. The powerful Duke will need to overcome the desperate measures of an enemy willing to stop at nothing to achieve his goals. Will this vindictive member of the ton succeed in destroying all their lives?

243 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 14, 2021