"When You Give A Duke A Diamond"

"When You Give A Duke A Diamond" is Shana Galen's first book in the Jewels of the Ton series.  Although this historical fiction is a love story, it does have murder, mayhem, and mystery to recommend it.  The Duke of Pelham has a very orderly life and he likes it that way.  However, on the eve of his announcing his engagement to Elizabeth, a proper young woman from a good family, his life is turned upside down.  His name is linked with Juliette, the Duchess of Dalliance, and his fiance disappears.

What the Duke (or William) didn't expect was that Juliette would claim to have seen his fiance murdered by a man named Lucifer and come to him for protection because she feels her life is in danger.  William doesn't take this seriously until the Magistrate confirms there is a Lucifer who runs a gambling house and is known to be very dangerous.  He also confirms that Elizabeth's parents have reported her missing.  He urges William to take Juliette to the country for their safekeeping until Elizabeth is found and the threat from Lucifer is gone.

What no one expected was that Juliette would discover William's family childhood secrets and totally upset his schedule and his life and that they would fall in love.  But....how can a Duke marry a courtesan?

In my younger days I would have read every word of their lovemaking episodes but it has little interest for me these days so I skim those sections.  After all, I have true love in my life!  I found this book pure fluff and an easy read -- perfect for lying in bed and recovering from a slight illness.  pazt