Gabriel, plagued with memories of his unhappy mother whose marriage to his father was a failure, decides, as a principled guy, he shall never marry so that the he won’t subject his wife to his impossible perfectionism and make her miserable. The brooding, collected, perfectionist Gabriel Devine, Duke of Wolverest is searching for the perfect wife. I read it now, because I am trying to make a dent on my TBR pile! Why Did I Read The Book: I bought it a few months ago when Julia Quinn recommended it. He is nothing more than a slave to passion, and she will not be conquered by his caresses-and yet his wicked ways tempt her so. But Madelyn believes the brothers Devine to be nothing more than heartless rogues-especially Gabriel, whose rakish reputation precedes him. Her social-climbing stepmother would give anything to have Madelyn Haywood betrothed to a future duke. Inviting the ton’s most eligible ladies to an elegant ball, Gabriel is certain any one of them would be all too eager to become the next duchess and provide an heir-leaving Gabriel to continue his ecstatic pursuit of pleasure. But if he’s to remain a lifelong bachelor, that leaves only his younger brother to carry on the family name. Now, with the Scottish on their heels and a country on the brink of war, they must go forth in battle together-to save themselves, to protect their countrymen, and to find a love that can set them both forever free.To Gabriel Devine, Duke of Wolverest, the bonds of marriage are nothing more than shackles. Her fierce spirit of survival stirs his passion more than combat ever could, and with her touch his world forever shifts. His visage bears the scars of battle, but his heart remains pure in its devotion to country and king-that is, until he sets out to rescue Isabel. or worse.īut unbeknownst to Isabel, she has a champion, a feared warrior and knight of legend named Anvrai d'Arques. As what should be a celebration turns to terror and bloodshed, Isabel is carried away from her family to be offered to a Scottish chieftain as a slave. But though these qualities make her an excellent bride, they cannot save her when, on the night she was meant to choose a groom, wild Scottish brigands storm the walls of her father's castle. Lady Isabel Louvet is a woman of noble birth, wit, courage, and beauty. Her life is in the hands of a man she dares not love.

At the bride hunt ball