The Taming of the Duke: A Novella — Emily Royal

( This story was first published as part of the Anthology set titled A Duke in Winter in December 2022.)

Who will be tamed -- the shrew, or the rake?

Lord Baptiste Parville longed for a male heir, but instead, his late wives burdened him with two daughters -- Catherine and Blanche. Catherine, known as the Spinster Shrew, is of such a sour disposition, that Lord Parville, desperate to rid himself of her, declares that no man may court Blanche until Catherine is off his hands.

Lord Lucian Horton, Blanche's would-be suitor, is in despair. Until a wager is made. Enter Daxton Hawke, Duke of Petrush, committed bachelor and rake, who agrees to pretend to woo the waspish Catherine so Lucian can court the delightful Blanche.

Having had her heart broken, Catherine Parville resolves never to marry. But, out of loyalty to her younger sister, who has fallen in love with Lord Horton, she accepts the advances of the rakish duke. Catherine has no intention of making life easy for her suitor, but despite her increasingly acerbic comments, Daxton thrives on her shrewish nature, indulging in a few barbs of his own.

With the tenacity of a seasoned warrior, and a skilful touch that sends Catherine's senses ablaze, Daxton may yet emerge victorious.

But Daxton soon learns that he's met his match -- and it is the duke, not the shrew, who might perhaps be tamed.