Dom knows the mistakes of the past may be unforgivable - but now, entangled together in mystery and danger, will they rekindle a passionate longing that was never lost to begin with?
Dominick Manton has spent many years putting the needs of others before his own - helping his younger half brother evade the clutches of his older brother, making sure the people he loved had the best chance at a happy life, and sacrificing his own happiness in the process. His efforts to save Tristan from his older brother George cost Dominic his financial security, and in the process he could see no other choice than to let the beautiful, sweet, innocent girl he loved go free. After all, how could a girl of noble upbringing be expected to make it in the slums as Dominic struggled to make ends meet. No, the only thing he could do was ensure she had a better future by forcing her hand to jilt him and pursue better options. While this move to cut Jane out of his life cost Dominick everything, he told himself he did it to protect her and to see to her happiness. What Dominick failed to take into account was that walking away from her had cost her her happiness too.
Twelve years later, Jane's beloved cousin Nancy went missing under very strange circumstances. Jane is convinced that something awful has fallen her sweet but naive cousin. Not knowing where to turn to for help, she contacts the best investigator around - Dominick Manton. Although she's engaged to another man, being in the same room as Dominick still causes her breath to hitch and to heart to beat faster. That traitorous heart. After many years and making a fine standing in the world, Dominick never came back for her. She waited for many, many years until she was firmly on the shelf before agreeing to marry another man in a companionable relationship. Jane knew she was done with the silly notion of love that had all but crushed her as an adolescent when the only man she ever loved walked out of her life. As much as being near him still pains her, Jane needs his help to locate Nancy.
Forced to work closely with Jane, Dominick can no longer fight his desire for her. Previously she'd been too young to understand the hardships that marrying a man like him might cause her. Now, she was engaged to another, and to admit to himself that he had made a mistake all those years ago and lost all that time with Jane and possibly any hope of her in his future would be too much to bear. Yet, as he works closely with her, little reminders of the past - a shared memory, a hint of perfume - remind him of all that was lost when he walked away. If only he could find a way to make her his again.
This book is an exquisite mix of mystery, love, romance, and humor. The characters are well developed, witty, and likable. The plot is a bit predictable, but still very enjoyable to read. This book is best read as part of the Duke's Men series as each novel provides more background on the story and characters.
I listened to the audio version narrated by Corrie James. The narration was well done, very clear, and easy to listen to. I would highly recommend the audio version of the book.
Narrated by: Corrie James
Length: 10- hrs and 12 mins
Series: The Dukes Men, Book 4
Release Date : 1/27/2015
Publisher: Tantor AUdio