The Duke Diaries by Sophia Nash

When Rory Lennox, first Duke of Abshire, wakes up holding a warm hand he does not realize his entire life is about to change as the hand he is holding is the sister of his former best friend...and he has no clue how he got into her bed.  It doesn't help matters that her brother is glaring at them and demanding a marriage and then satisfaction in the field.  Verity Fitzroy wakes up to mass confusion and refuses to marry Rory.  She knows nothing happened and she will not marry someone who does not love her, even if it is her childhood crush. Rory has a strong sense of duty and sets about to prove to Verity that they must marry and in the process, finds himself losing his heart. Will he be able to convince her of his true feelings?

While this is book three in this series, it can easily be read as a stand alone.  It was such a fun, flirty, sexy romp and I really enjoyed it.  I really liked Verity as she is outspoken, honest, practical and amusing with a stubborn streak.  She thinks Rory is all wit and charm but she knows underneath that facade he is so much more.  The banter between them was a delight to read and watching them both fall truly in love with each other was sweet.  When Verity realizes her private diaries are being published in the local newspaper and they hold all her thoughts on the wild bachelor party, she worries what Rory will think when he finds out who the real author is.  I thought the resolution to this area was very sweet and showed the true nature of Rory to the best advantage.  Rory and Verity both have issues in their past that they must overcome to move forward and they strive to do so.  Sophia Nash also wove in some future characters with just enough tidbits to have me anxious for them now!  Recommended for fans of fun, sexy romances who like to laugh and sigh with happiness.

eARC provided by Avon Books via edelweiss

Royal Entourage series
Can be read out of order

Book 4: Oct 29th