She needs a husband for Christmas. He wants an heir. Can they strike a scandalous bargain? Two years after walking away from her marriage, Veronica shows up at her estranged husband’s townhouse with one request: pretend they’re the happy couple her dying grandfather believes them to be—just long enough to give him one last perfect Christmas. Sebastian Sinclair, the Duke of Edgefield, doesn’t bother to leave his bath when he hears his wife is waiting downstairs. If Veronica wants a favor, she can ask for it while he’s soaking wet—and completely in control. He’ll agree to the charade…on one scandalous condition: she shares his bed for the entire holiday. After all, if they’re pretending to be madly in love, why not make it look convincing? And while they’re at it, she can give him the heir he’s long been denied. As the snow falls and the family estate glitters with holiday cheer, the lines between pretense and passion blur. And this Christmas, the greatest gift might just be a second chance at love. Perfect for readers who crave steamy second chances, scandalous deals, and holiday heat with a broody duke who knows exactly what he wants. Praise for The Duke Deal : "I loved, loved, this book."—5-star Amazon review "Fun fast read with good banter and great love scenes."—5-star Amazon review "Could not stop reading!"—5-star Amazon review Valerie Bowman's books have received starred reviews from Publisher's Weekly, Booklist, and Kirkus. She's been an RT Reviewers' Choice nominee for Best First Historical Romance and Best Historical Romance Love and Laughter. Two of her books have been nominated for the Kirkus Prize for fiction.Valerie grew up in Illinois with six sisters (she's number seven). After earning a degree in English with a minor in history at Smith College, she moved to Florida. Valerie now lives in Jacksonville with her family. When she's not writing, she keeps busy reading, traveling, and watching crazy reality TV.Find her on the web at www.ValerieBowmanBooks.com.