Anna St. ClAire
Usa Today Bestselling Author
Sweet & Sassy Historical Romance
Wayward dukes
KISSING WITH MY DUKE
The past hides secrets, the present hides danger… and it takes a brave heart to see the truth.
She guards her heart… but fate might have other plans.
Miss Serafina Davies has kept her distance from Society and the marriage mart ever since a youthful mistake nearly ruined her two years ago. Instead, she poured her passion into creating The Lavender & Cream Tearoom—a tearoom unlike any other in fashionable Bath. With her signature honeyed tea, floral confections, delicate pastries—and the support of her guardian and his wife—the business seemed destined to thrive. But when a chance encounter in front of an overflowing ash pit leads to Serafina rescuing a dog and a handsome stranger rescuing her, she finds herself dangerously close to breaking her most sacred promise—to never fall in love again.
He arrives incognito… but the truth cannot stay hidden forever.
Julian McAllister, the newly minted Duke of Strathmoor, arrives in Bath incognito—to grieve, to paint, and to escape the demands of his dukedom in search of much-needed rest. Disguised as a humble artist, he’s drawn to Serafina’s beauty, wit, and the quiet strength that shines behind her flour-dusted smile. With every encounter and every shared cup of tea, their connection deepens—but the more he’s near her, the harder it becomes to hide his identity. And when Serafina’s past catches up with her, Julian must decide if he’s willing to risk everything—including his heart—for love.
Because someone else wants Serafina.
Baron Cornelius Grimsby’s interest is unwanted—and unrelenting. He does not court; he lurks in the shadows, always watching, always nearby. With each encounter, his fixation hardens into something far more sinister. What begins as an irritating nuisance becomes a calculated, escalating threat—one that may cost Serafina her freedom—and Julian his life.
Tea may soothe the soul… but love, courage, and one daring duke may be the only things that can save her.
Praise from readers
★★★★★ “I loved it & was drawn in from the start, poor Serafina tumbling into the ash pit & such an unusual place for a couple to meet. Julian picking lettuce etc from her hair & not batting an eyelid made it all the more real. I loved the characters, the GDs are a complete joy & I loved their spats but also how they had each others backs. I also loved that ‘the good guys’ were a tight knit caring group." ~ Janet
★★★★★ “This is a love at first sight trope that had some mystery and excitement to it. I liked everything about it. The characters were fantastic and the story was a quick mover." ~ K. Hudecek
★★★★★ “A quick read, enjoyable and so easy to fall in love with. I loved the shortened form as it didn’t drag out the characters reactions , but could still get a great read on their thoughts and issues." ~ PG Robinson
★★★★★ “Anna St. Claire delivers another heartwarming Regency tale in Kissing With My Duke, where love blooms over honeyed tea and unexpected rescues. With the four delightful Golden Duchess, who were Serafina's surrogate aunts, added so much sparkle and laughs, the story balances tender romance with a dash of danger from a lurking baron. Sweet, clean, and brimming with charm, this is a tale of courage, second chances, and love that refuses to stay hidden." ~ Lana Birky
★★★★★ “I loved it & was drawn in from the start, poor Serafina tumbling into the ash pit & such an unusual place for a couple to meet. Julian picking lettuce etc from her hair & not batting an eyelid made it all the more real. I loved the characters, the GDs are a complete joy & I loved their spats but also how they had each others backs. I also loved that ‘the good guys’ were a tight knit caring group" ~ Janet