The Duke and I

Julia Quinn

pub: 1-2000

When Daphne meets Simon Basset, she's taken by his good looks, quick wit and help. Like a gentleman would he helped her out of one messy situation! Then to find out that he's the best friend of her oldest brother, well, that just puts a crimp in Simon's yearnings.

Both are at the mercy of mothers or society to be looking for the perfect match for wedded bliss, yet neither of them have found the right person, that is to say, Daphne hasn't and Simon isnt' looking. So he comes up with a plan to put both of them out from under the stress of being single and not married by being hooked up with each other. Great plan. Right. The only problem is that Daphne's brother doesnt' go for it and Daphne soon finds that Simon can be a great person to be around.

They become friends in the midst of thier fakery and Daphne looses her heart to the man who doesnt' want to marry anyone. His childhood heart ache by his father demands he never gives him an heir. But when one thing leads to another and a kiss becomes more than it should, they are caught in the heat of the moment by none other than the avenging brother that wants to pummel his ex-best friend now!!

Determined to save Simon from certain death, Daphne rides out to convince him that he must save her from social ruin. He must save her. And that being the only request he can't refuse, he grants her the desire of marriage, but with one condition. No children.

Can they overcome what has torn apart thier fast friendship to once again be close? The biggest question is what will she do when she figures out what he's actually doing to keep her from having children!

A fast adventure with wonderful characters and tender scenes. I couldnt' help but feel for Simon at times but then again I wanted to knock him on the head! J