Book excerpt: "Terrific storytelling with lots of wit, derring-do, and tugging on the heartstrings!" - Grace Burrowes, NYT and USA Today Bestselling Author "Locke seamlessly blends hints from classics like The Count of Monte Cristo, Pride and Prejudice, and Arthurian legend into an utterly enjoyable Regency romance." - Publishers Weekly BookLife Prize From RITA® Finalist and USA Today Bestselling Author Margaret Locke comes The Legendary Duke, the second in her Put Up Your Dukes Regency historical romance series. For a Knight to win the Princess, he first must slay his dragons… A tragic event in his youth led Gavin Knight’s mother to whisk him to Rome, where he lived a simple but secluded life—until, on her deathbed, she revealed who he truly was: the Duke of Cortleon. Now twenty-nine, Gavin has returned to England, determined to learn what happened all those years ago. Despite charming his fellow lords and ladies alike, the new Duke disregards any notion of nuptials, as his honor first demands resolution--and retribution. Then he meets Lady Elinor Greene. For seven years, renowned beauty Elinor has refused all proposals, fearing marriage would curb her freedom. But when her family falls on hard times, Nelle must sacrifice herself to save them by marrying a man of means. A wealthy widower seems the logical choice, a passionless union perfect. Until she meets the Duke of Cortleon, and learns one Knight can be legendary. Soon Gavin and Elinor must each decide which quest is worth more: that for honor, or that for love... ___________________ While second in the series, The Legendary Duke can easily be read as a standalone novel - especially because this story turned out to take place before that of The Demon Duke (oops). Loosely based on the Arthurian legend Gawain and the Green Knight, The Legendary Duke provides adventure, mystery, desire, and betrayal in this satisfying blend of Regency historical romance with a hint of medieval flavor...and Arthurian Easter eggs pop up throughout! ____________________ Category: Regency Historical romance (and my editor Tessa says, historical romantic suspense!) Length: 110,000 words ____________________ 2019 Library of Virginia Literary Awards Finalist 2019 New England Reader’s Choice Awards Winner in Historical Romance 2018 Publishers Weekly BookLife Prize Finalist in Romance