For fans of HBO’s The Gilded Age , explore the dazzling world of America’s 19th century elite in this lush, page-turning saga… From award-winning New York Times bestselling author Betina Krahn comes a beguiling new romance brimming with her signature wit, timeless sensuality, and thrilling romance—as desire proves to be a great equalizer . . . Daisy Bumgarten isn’t thrilled to be trying to catch a duke’s attention while dressed like a flower pot caught in a swarm of butterflies. But, after all, when in Rome (or in this case London society) . . . .  Since her decidedly disastrous debut among New York’s privileged set, the sassy Nevada spitfire’s last chance to “marry well” lies across the pond, here in England.  If she must restrain her free spirit, not to mention her rib cage, so be it. She knows she owes it to her three younger sisters to succeed . . .   Now, under a countess’s tutelage, Daisy appears the perfect duchess-in-training . . . Until notorious ladies’ man Lord Ashton Graham, a distraction of the most dangerous kind, glimpses her mischievous smile and feisty nature—and attempts to unmask her motives. Daisy has encountered snakes on the range, but one dressed to the nines in an English drawing room is positively unnerving—and maddeningly seductive. When a veiled plot emerges to show up Daisy as unworthy of the aristocracy, will Ashton be her worst detractor? Or the nobleman she needs most of all?   Praise for Betina Krahn   “Krahn has a delightful, smart touch.” —Publishers Weekly “Smart, romantic . . . sure to delight readers.” — Milwaukee Journal Sentinel “Betina Krahn is a treasure.” — BookPage Praise for A Good Day to Marry a Duke:   “The very essence of romance . . . endlessly entertaining.”  -- Booklist  (Starred Review)   “Readers will gallop through the lighthearted love story.”  -- Kirkus Reviews   “Full of wit, deceit, manipulation, and a thoroughly entertaining mix of American and English cultural references, this amusing romance has set the bar high for the sequels.”   --Publishers Weekly Praise for Betina Krahn’s next romance,  The Girl with the Sweetest Secret: "VERDICT  A fearless, irrepressible heroine and a hero who matches her every move meet in a complex, richly plotted story, adding another sparkler to Krahn’s engaging series." -- Library Journal “In her latest historical tale, Krahn once again strikes the perfect balance between sharp wit and sexy romance.”  –  Booklist “Reynard and Frankie are a perfect match in wit and strength….Readers will enjoy watching all three of the book’s couple’s race to the finish line.”  -- Publishers Weekly Praise for the previous works of Betina Krahn:      “A delectable romance most readers will find impossible to resist.”  —Booklist (starred review)       “An utterly charming treat . . . a heroine to admire and love and a meltingly desirable hero. . . . Nothing could be better about this book."  — RT Book Reviews  Top Pick    “The contemporary sexual feel of the writing . . . worked seamlessly into the historical setting.”  —Smart Bitches, Trashy Books   “Rip roaring romantic escapade is a breath of fresh air in historical reading.”  —Fresh Fiction         “Witty, rollicking romance. . . a bright, exciting adventure.”  —Publisher’s Weekly     “Krahn has outdone herself in this funny, sexy medieval romance . . . will keep readers smiling—and hungry—until the end.”  —Library Journal                                     “A captivating tale of action, adventure and passion that is wickedly fun.”  —Chicago Tribune Betina Krahn is a New York Times bestselling author of historical romances. Her works have won numerous industry awards, including winner of the Romantic Times Lifetime Achievement Award for Love and Laughter. Visit her on the web at www.betinakrahn.com. A Good Day to Marry a Dukec By Betina Krahn KENSINGTON PUBLISHING CORP. Copyright © 2017 Betina Krahn All rights reserved. ISBN: 978-1-4201-4347-8 CHAPTER 1 London, two years later "You don't have to do this, girl," Uncle Red said as they paused on the front steps of the Earl of Mountjoy's palatial London home. "Yes, I do." Daisy struggled for breath against her wickedly tight corset. She had worked fervently for the last two years to come to this moment. A little suffocation and a few spots before her eyes were a small price to pay for climbing onto the social register. A girl had obligations, after all — sisters to marry off and a mother with badly bruised pride. This was going to make everything she had done wrong, right. She was going to marry a nobleman — a top nobleman — and take him home and watch Mrs. Astor choke on "that Bumgarten tart's" good fortune. Assuming, of course, that she survived the night in this damned corset. "You want a nip to brace you up?" Uncle Red patted the conspicuous bulge in the breast pocket of his coat. His concern was downright sweet, considering his own du