The Seduction of a Duke
by Donna MacMeans

William Chambers, Duke of Bedford, ascended to the title upon his father's death, but he also inherited his father's extensive debts. Desperate to avoid scandal and ruin, he is willing to go to any lengths—including marrying, sight unseen, a reclusive American heiress known as Frosty Franny.

Not pleased to be trapped in an arranged marriage, Francesca Winthrop conspires to turn lemons into lemonade with the assistance of a courtesan's journal.

Donna MacMeans' Bio

By day, a mild-mannered accountant, I transform at night to an impassioned author of romantic historical novels, paranormals, and suspense. I live outside of Columbus, Ohio with my wonderful husband of many, many years, two adult children, and my canine shadow - a mixed breed mutt named Oreo. When I'm not knee deep in tax returns as a self-employed CPA, or typing away on another manuscript, I'm active in several writing organizations. Every now and then, I break out my paints or pastels for a different creative venue, but of the two, I find writing not quite as messy. I love to cook (but hate to clean up). I have a bit of a reputation with my desserts. They always incorporate chocolate and alcohol in some intoxicating fashion.

I started writing fiction in 1996 and entered my first full manuscript, a romantic suspense, in Romance Writers of America's coveted Golden Heart contest. Although it didn't win, it did final in the suspense category and thus validated that I might be onto something. I went on to write a second romantic suspense, before deciding to try something a little different, a paranormal short story.

The idea for The Education of Mrs. Brimley, my Golden Heart winning manuscript, developed from a contest sponsored by Lori Foster. Her contest was looking for sexy, sensuous entries, and I had an idea about a woman doing a reluctant striptease. The concept made more sense set during a time period when women wore layers upon layers of clothing. As I began the writing, I fell in love with the late Victorian period and my characters.

In addition to Romance Writers of America, I'm a member and officer (you guessed it - Treasurer) of Central Ohio Fiction Writers. I also belong to The Golden Network, a chapter of Golden Heart Finalists, and Scriptscene, a chapter for scriptwriters. Hey - you never know when Hollywood will come knocking.