The last man Arabella Hadley ever wishes to see again is Lucien Devereaux, the handsome, dissolute Duke of Wexford, who broke her heart years ago and disappeared to London. So when Arabella finds an unconscious man on her deserted country road and sees that it's Lucien, she's tempted to leave him there. But even more appalling than his presence is the brazen kiss he plants on her shocked lips -- and her own heated response!

Wounded, Lucien dares not reveal why he's returned to his country estate -- or why he abandoned the strong-willed beauty years ago. Especially since Arabella clearly has secrets of her own. But when her scheming, marriage minded aunts successfully compromise them, the two are forced to become man and wife.

Which makes it even harder for them to fight the passion that never disappeared . . . .

REVIEWS

"A swaggering duke up to his handsome eyebrows in sheep tonic, a thoroughly engaging heroine who knocks him flat in more ways than one--Ms. Hawkins writes some of the most delicious, quirky, inventive romance around. Wonderful frisky fun!" - Judith Ivory, NYT best selling author of THE PROPOSITION

"I laughed out loud -- a very entertaining read! It's always nice when two really stubborn people butt heads until they realize they're perfect for each other. I can't wait for the third one!" - Brenda Meyer, Romance Reader and Barnes & Noble Fiction Supervisor

"What a terrific book from a talented author! At once moody, witty, and always moving, A BELATED BRIDE is sure to find a space on many keeper shelves in January." - Sue Burke, Old Book Barn Gazette