The Duke’s Disguised Maid by Daphne Pierce

Alaina, a humble maid in the household of an Earl, finds solace in her friendship with Lady Caroline, their bond akin to that of sisters despite their difference in status. When Lady Caroline is forced into an unwanted betrothal with the Duke of Peddleton, Alaina’s world is shaken. With Lady Caroline’s audacious suggestion to switch places, Alaina finds herself thrust into a perilous charade at the Duke’s estate. However, soon she is struck by the enigmatic Duke, stirring feelings she’s never known before…

Will Alaina be able to guard her heart as she delves deeper into this deceitful masquerade, or will her feelings lead to her undoing?
Marcus, haunted by his father’s debts, sees marriage to Lady Caroline as a solution. When the woman he believes to be Lady Caroline arrives, Marcus begins to think that the debts his father has left him could be a true blessing in disguise. Consumed by the thought of her, he finds the boundaries of propriety blurring as his desire for Lady Caroline intensifies.

Is he finally prepared to surrender his heart to one woman?
As Alaina and Marcus grow closer to one another, stolen kisses in unchaperoned moments and steamy thoughts offer up a world of new possibilities, full of excitement. Marcus finds himself drawn to Alaina’s strength and resilience, but he has no idea that Alaina’s head is full of fear… Can their love survive the weight of Alaina’s lie? Or will she prefer to run and hide from the truth forever?

“The Duke’s Disguised Maid” is a historical romance novel of approximately 60,000 words. No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a guaranteed happily ever after.