In the first in Tessa Dare's captivating Castles Ever After series, a mysterious fortress is the setting for an unlikely love . . . As the daughter of a famed author, Isolde Ophelia Goodnight grew up on tales of brave knights and fair maidens. She never doubted romance would be in her future, too.  The storybooks offered endless possibilities. And as she grew older, Izzy crossed them off.  One by one by one. Ugly duckling turned swan? - Abducted by handsome highwayman? - Rescued from drudgery by charming prince? No, no, and... Heh. Now Izzy's given up yearning for romance. She'll settle for a roof over her head.  What fairy tales are left over for an impoverished twenty-six year-old woman who's never even been kissed? This one. *Starred Review* Please let it be money! That is the one thought Isolde Goodnight has when she receives the news that her recently deceased godfather, the Earl of Lynforth, has mentioned her in his will. Izzy desperately hopes that she has inherited at least £200. Even £100 would help because after her father’s death, Izzy is nearly penniless and without a home to call her own. Instead, Izzy discovers that she is now the proud owner of Gostley Castle, a rapidly crumbling pile of stones deep in the wilds of Northumberland. Much to Izzy’s surprise, she also discovers that the castle comes complete with one unmentioned, additional feature: its previous owner, Ransome William Dacre Vane, the Duke of Rothbury. Splendidly talented Dare (Any Duchess Will Do, 2013) creates cleverly written dialogue, exceptionally appealing characters, and an engaging plot that gives a wink toward Beauty and the Beast and a nod to fandom, all key components in this wickedly funny and soul-satisfyingly romantic novel, the perfect launch to Dare’s new Castles Ever After series. --John Charles Dare starts her new series with a unique storyline, a sweet, fun nod to literary fandom, and two main characters who are perfect for each other yet never would have met if they weren’t each at a nadir in life’s journey. - Kirkus Reviews (starred review) This book is already in my top books for 2014. This new series of Tessa Dare’s is off to an amazing start! - Smexy Books Dare’s lyrical writing and expert, intense character development make this a romance to be savored with the eager expectation of future series installments - Publishers Weekly (starred review) Splendidly talented Dare creates cleverly written dialogue, exceptionally appealing characters, and an engaging plot that gives a wink toward Beauty and the Beast and a nod to fandom, all key components in this wickedly funny and soul-satisfyingly romantic novel, the perfect launch to Dare’s new Castles Ever After series. - Booklist (starred review) I think this is a truly unique historical that will appeal to readers who aren’t often historical fans. - Smart Bitches Trashy Books Dare starts her new series with a unique storyline, a sweet, fun nod to literary fandom, and two main characters who are perfect for each other yet never would have met if they weren’t each at a nadir in life’s journey. - Kirkus Reviews (starred review) Tessa Dare’s first instalment in the new Castles Ever After series, ROMANCING THE DUKE will have readers clearing their keeper shelf just to make room for this little gem! Jam- packed with hilarious banter, Dare’s trademark humor is showcased in its full glory. - Fresh Fiction As the daughter of a famed author, Isolde Ophelia Goodnight grew up on tales of brave knights and fair maidens.  She never doubted romance would be in her future, too.  The storybooks offered endless possibilities. And as she grew older, Izzy crossed them off.  One by one by one. Ugly duckling turned swan? - Abducted by handsome highwayman? - Rescued from drudgery by charming prince? No, no, and . . . Heh. Now Izzy’s given up yearning for romance. She’ll settle for a roof over her head.  What fairy tales are left over for an impoverished twenty-six year-old woman who’s never even been kissed? This one. Tessa Dare is the New York Times bestselling, award-winning author of more than a dozen historical romances. A librarian by training and a book-lover at heart, Tessa makes her home in Southern California, where she shares a cozy, cluttered bungalow with her husband, their two children, and a pair of cosmic kittens.