The Duke’s Men: Book 1
Publication Date: June 13, 2024
In 1835 London, companion Vivian Bradish daringly pursues her dream of being a writer by researching and notating her ailing employer’s new book-A Guide to London for Fearless Women. Posing as a mark, Viv boldly enters a street known for pickpockets. When she’s attacked, she accidentally shoots the handsome gentleman who aids her. She brings the wounded stranger to her employer’s home for medical aid, but they are caught in a compromising situation, threatening Viv’s position and dreams.
Her would-be rescuer, Lark, was once a Lost Boy, part of a gang of street urchins and pickpockets rescued by the Duke of Wenlocke. Reformed, he’s now Edward Larkin, posing as a gentleman and searching for clues to his past. Meeting Viv is unexpected, and to save her position in the household, he proposes a fake betrothal.
To “court her,” Lark promises to guide her through the streets of the London she’s never seen so she can finish the book, never dreaming his impulse to help Viv will lead him to his lost family.
No stranger to London’s streets where pickpockets thrive, Lark finds himself in the bystander role when one of his former pals steals a lady’s purse.
Vivian Bradish didn’t mean to shoot the handsome man who came to her rescue, but she’s determined to prove she is fearless. As a companion to an ailing titled lady, Vivian assists in writing guidebooks.
The Lady and the Thief serves as the first installment in author Kate Moore’s Duke’s Men series. Lark’s quick thinking leads to a false engagement, setting the stage for a perfect Regency romp. As Edward Larkin, he is transformed into a gentleman who offers to escort Vivian as she gathers research.
Scheming relatives and secrets tend to complicate matters, which is exactly what happens. It’s interesting to see Vivian evolve as a researcher. Prior to meeting Lark, she was merely an observer rather than a participant. Following Lark as he searches for his family is an added bonus.
The Lady and the Thief delivers an engaging Regency romance featuring two characters who never expected to fall in love.
Kate Moore writes stand alone and series romances set in contemporary California and Regency England for readers who want to fall in love again standing up, mostly fully clothed, surrounded by family. In Kate’s stories, kind, quick-witted women find love with hot billionaires, lofty lords, and sexy spies; longing is leavened with humor; and readers say the blend of sparks and spice is “just right sexy.” When life happens, let a Kate Moore romance lift your spirits.
Hello Amy, I love this account of your own evolution as a reader and your tribute to Romance writers who’ve blazed new paths. Readers are an author’s favorite people. The work is never complete without them!