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abkeller
Nov 21, 2012abkeller rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
What began as a lark and an initiation into manhood took a terrible turn when young Robert Hawthorne, the Duke of Killingsworth, was unjustly imprisoned by his twin brother, John. For many years, Robert lived in almost complete isolation, cut off from his fellow man in every way possible. Madness beckoned and Robert fought against the beast inside him. The opportunity to escape finally presented itself and Robert fled. Robert confronts his evil brother, neatly turning the tables on him and imprisoning John instead. Robert has so much catching up to do. The simplest experiences now delight him. What pleasure there is in simply resting his body in his own bed and traveling in a carriage. Breathing the fresh air is pure ambrosia and every morsel of food seems like a banquet. However, no sooner does Robert arrive home than he suddenly discovers he is to be wed! The lovely Victoria Lambert is beautiful and gracious, the stuff of dreams - apparently, John’s dreams. How can Robert marry her when she’d already apparently fallen in love with his brother, John? Perhaps, Victoria is simply wedding the title. Assuming that must be the case, Robert goes through with the ceremony and they begin their lives together under false pretenses. Little by little, day by day, Robert falls madly in love with his beautiful wife, but does Tori return his affections? If Robert reveals who he really is, will he lose her? Yet, how long can he continue to live a lie? Ultimately, the decision is taken away from Robert when John suddenly returns, to claim the dukedom to which he is not legally entitled and his lovely bride, as well. In this contest of wills and love, which man shall arise victorious?