Bradford’s second Wylder sisters novel (after When You Wish upon a Duke) brings an unusual twist to a Victorian-era arranged marriage. Hawke, the duke of Hawkesworth, has returned to England after a 10-year absence to wed his longtime betrothed, which he must do before she turns 19 in order to keep his fortune. When he is formally introduced to Lady Elizabeth Wylder, his fiancée, they are shocked to realize they have already met and shared a forbidden kiss at a masquerade. Their rush to wedded bliss is filled with daring alluring sexual encounters and clever banter, but Hawke’s refusal to believe in long-lasting love threatens to destroy their happiness. Lizzie is a plucky heroine whose naïveté about marriage is smartly juxtaposed with Hawke’s cynicism. Though the angst between the lovers occurs somewhat late in the novel, Bradford’s otherwise expert pacing and thorough character development will leave readers eager for the third installment in this delightful series. Agent: Annelise Robey, Jane Rostrosen Literary Agency. (Oct.)