FOR THE DUKE'S EYES ONLY

While looking for a priceless antique, they found each other.

As children, Daniel and India were not only bosom friends who shared an obsession with archaeology, but also engaged to be wed someday, until India’s cruel father tore them apart. Now, as adults, Daniel has become the Duke of Ravenwood, known as Raven, and India’s sworn enemy. Whereas she has continued her studies into antiquity purely for scholarship, she thinks he’s become “a rogue known for hunting beautiful women in England, and treasures abroad, amassing both amours and antiquities as nothing more than trophies.” In truth, however, Raven is a spy for the British empire who uses his rakish ways as a cover. Despite their mutual distaste, when the Rosetta Stone goes missing just before it’s set to go on display at the British Museum, neither can resist the intrigue of trying to retrieve it even though that will mean working together. It isn’t long before their long-dormant affections rebuild, but years of distrust—and a very real threat to their lives—may keep them apart after the thrill of the chase is gone. Bell is loved by her fans for bringing suspense and explicit passion to the pages of her historical romances, and the latest entry in her School for Dukes series fits the bill. Details of the archaeological world circa 1830 add grace notes to this well-plotted, charming story, and readers who love a heroine with academic aspirations will identify with India. There’s more uncertainty in the recovery of the Stone than in the relationship between India and Raven, but readers will likely be too enthralled by their numerous spicy scenes to notice or care.

An archaeological romance that’s more steamy than dusty.