A duke for Diana

Bestseller Jeffries (The Bachelor) launches her Designing Debutantes series with this witty Regency romance. Though Lady Diana Harper and her sisters, young Verity and widowed Eliza, are social outcasts due to their scandalous parents' many infidelities, they're able to put their knowledge of fashion and the aristocracy to use running Elegant Occasions, a party planning company that helps clients navigate the intricate and high stakes world of London society. The sisters' expertise is challenged when the unlikely new Duke of Grenwood, the rough-hewn Geoffrey Brookhouse, requests their assistance launching his sister, Rosy, into society. Though Geoffrey balks at Diana's price, he agrees to double her fee if she can guarantee his sister will have five suitors a day the week after her debut ball. Diana refuses to back down and agrees to his terms on the condition that he submit to her instruction on improving his own manners as well. The bargain forces them to spend time together, and their initial attraction builds into a relationship neither expected. Jeffries again proves her mastery of historical romance with this scintillating series debut, complete with bold, determined characters whose sparring only highlights their sexual tension. Historical romance fans will be riveted. Agent: Pam Ahearn, Ahearn Agency. (June)