Duty Before Desire

Consummate rake Lord Sheridan Zouche is no stranger to scandal. But when his family banishes him as a bad influence until he vows to marry, he inexplicably chooses the one woman he cannot seduce: an Englishwoman born and raised in India, who has been sent home against her will to find a husband. Arcadia Parks wants nothing more than to return to the peaceful hills of Hyderabad, far from the contrivances and strange moral strictures of the ton. But her aunt is insisting she wed, so she can't turn down Sheri's unexpected proposal of convenience. They'll marry for one year--and consummate the union just once to make it official--after which time he'll help her return to India. Alas, the best-laid plans sometimes go awry. Will Sheridan be able to give up the woman staking claim on his heart? And will Arcadia see through to the sensitive heart lurking beneath his glib facade? Fans of Judith Ivory and Cecilia Grant won't want to miss this highly anticipated story! Sensuality Level: Sensual

New York Times Bestselling Author What happens when a man of unshakable conviction meets the woman who rocks his world? Pete Higgins is an honorary Westmoreland, a man of his word—of course he’ll put duty to his orphaned niece first. Too bad the temporary nanny is tempting him with every look. Myra Hollister captivates him. But she’s keeping dangerous secrets, the kind that remind Pete of all he’s lost before and what he can’t afford to lose again…

Between Duty And Desire by Leanne Banks released on Jul 23, 2004 is available now for purchase.

³There was little danger of encountering the Bennet sisters ever again.² Jane Austen's classic novel Pride and Prejudice is beloved by millions, but little is revealed in the book about the mysterious and handsome hero, Mr. Darcy. And so the question has long remained: Who is Fitzwilliam Darcy? Pamela Aidan's trilogy finally answers that long-standing question, creating a rich parallel story that follows Darcy as he meets and falls in love with Elizabeth Bennet. Duty and Desire, the second book in the trilogy, covers the "silent time" of Austen's novel, revealing Darcy's private struggle to overcome his attraction to Elizabeth while fulfilling his roles as landlord, master, brother, and friend. When Darcy pays a visit to an old classmate in Oxford in an attempt to shake Elizabeth from his mind, he is set upon by husband-hunting society ladies and ne'er-do-well friends from his university days, all with designs on him -- some for good and some for ill. He and his sartorial genius of a valet, Fletcher, must match wits with them all, but especially with the curious Lady Sylvanie. Irresistibly authentic and entertaining, Duty and Desire remains true to the spirit and events of Pride and Prejudice while incorporating fascinating new characters, and is sure to dazzle Austen fans and newcomers alike.

This sweet variation of Pride and Prejudice has Our Dear Couple as you've never seen them before... Elizabeth Bennet has always been content with her life in Meryton, but a surprising invitation to spend the season in London sets her on a path she never expected. Amidst the glittering ballrooms and high society of London, Elizabeth and her sister Jane navigate the complexities of court presentations, eligible suitors, and the promise of romance. When Elizabeth encounters the enigmatic Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy, their initial misunderstandings and societal prejudices seem insurmountable. But as the season unfolds, secrets are revealed, and true characters emerge, forcing Elizabeth to reconsider everything she thought she knew about love and duty. A sudden twist in Mr. Darcy's family duties bring new challenges and unexpected opportunities. Join Elizabeth and Darcy in a tale of passion, pride, and the transformative power of love in this fresh retelling of a classic story. "Duty and Desire" is a captivating journey through the elegance of Regency England, where hearts and titles are both on the line. Will Elizabeth find her place in a world of grandeur, and can Darcy defy society’s expectations for the woman he loves? Find out in this enchanting novel that weaves romance, wit, and timeless charm.