One minute, Jemma Pears is a struggling theatrical make-up artist in London. The next, she's been left a vast fortune by her estranged grandmother. However, there's a catch: she must marry a man with a title to inherit.
Jemma thinks this is truly impossible: she's a romantic, searching for true love, not just a convenient marriage... and besides, where would she even find a titled guy?
Enter Ashford, the new Duke of Burlingham. His legacy: massive debts that he must pay back immediately or risk the bank seizing his assets. Or worse: his mother's wrath!
When their lawyer hears of their situations, a secret match is made despite their mutual hatred of each other: by marrying Ashford, Jemma can inherit and Ashford can pay back his debts immediately. Problem solved!
That is until their marriage is leaked to the press and everyone finds out... Now they have to play out the charade for at least a year or risk going to jail for fraud!
A hilarious pretence ensues and Jemma must battle against a crazy mother-in-law, a stuffy aristocracy, and finally, and most surprisingly of all, confusing feelings for Ashford!
A hilarious romantic comedy perfect for fans of ´The Hating Game´ and ´Red, White & Royal Blue´.
Felicia Kingsley is the author of ´How (Not) to Marry a Duke´. She was born in 1987, lives in the province of Modena, and works as an architect.