Robert Knight, Duke of Hawkscliffe, is determined to discover if his lady love's death was an accident, or if it was murder, as her husband claims. The Earl of Coldfell suspects his nephew, Dolph Breckenridge, had a hand in the Earl's wife's death, and he wants Hawkscliffe to exact revenge. Hawkscliffe makes a deal with a Cyprian, the currently most talked about courtesan in London; she's also a target of Dolph's attention. While pursuing his plan, Hawkscliffe finds his rigid moral code in jeopardy of collapsing. Will he find the answers he's looking for, or will his own past be his downfall?

Belinda Hamilton is barely keeping her head above water in the struggle for survival. Her father has been sent to Fleet Prison due to overwhelming debts. Bel has been dismissed from her teaching position, and is slowly being manipulated to turning to Dolph. After being attacked one night, Bel realizes there is only one way left for her to make a living. As the most famous (or infamous) courtesan in London, Bel gains the attention of Hawkscliffe and agrees to help him with his plan. Can she remain aloof while she works with the handsome duke, or will her past be discovered as well?

Hawkscliffe and Bel are two strong, fascinating characters who easily keep this story moving. Taking place in Regency England, there are many things these two must overcome and the plot provides the means to solve their problems. There is one incident in this story, which writers generally stay away from writing, but it is well done and important to the plot.

Secondary characters have an unusual depth to them, giving even more substance to the overall story. The descriptions of Hawkscliffe properties are fascinating and add to the romantic ambience. The overall lifestyle of the times is well depicted.

The Duke is the first tale about the Knight brothers, and has set Gaelen Foley on the road to writing a marvelous regency series. This is one of the best books I've read this year.