Book excerpt: The Duke of Preston has ruined more young ladies than can be tolerated by Society, which turns its collective back to him and his family. In order to regain their respectability, his aunt insists he takes a bride. What Preston never imagines is that he will fall in love with the most unlikely of ladies - Miss Tabitha Timmons, a vicar's daughter who is cursed in love and vows never to marry. Now it is up to the notorious duke to change her mind.