The Last Duke [Mass Market Paperback]

Andrea Kane (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 1995

Bestselling author Andrea Kane deftly interweaves her sensual love stories with breathtaking intrigue -- a touch of danger amid glorious romance. Affaire de Coeur says, "Andrea Kane's talent knows no bounds," and now she brings readers an enchanting tale of a rogue with a heart of gold and a desire for one very precious jewel of a woman.

Lady Daphne Wyndham is the only child of the brutal Marquis of Tragmore. Risking a beating each time she sneaks away to help the local vicar, Daphne fantasizes about the legendary Tin Cup Bandit, who robs the rich to aid the poor. His scandalous exploits inflame her rebellious spirit and fire her romantic imagination. And when he appears in her bedroom, she suspects all her wild dreams may come true....

Pierce Thornton grew up in a British workhouse, and now thirsts for vengeance against the nobility -- and the Marquis of Tragmore. As he plots to ruin Tragmore, a twist of fate opens an unexpected door, allowing him to fulfill his life-long crusade: bringing the fashionable world to its knees. But in the process he encounters a far greater peril...losing his heart to Daphne Wyndham.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Pierce Thornton learned to despise the nobility at a very early age. The illegitimate son of a nobleman, identity unknown, and a commoner, pierce spent his early years in a workhouse. With never enough to eat or a warm place to sleep, Pierce became even more bitter at the death of his beloved mother. Leaving the workhouse and surviving on his wits alone, Pierce grew to be a wealthy man in his own right, living for the day he could exact revenge on the man who was responsible for the dreadful conditions at the workhouse. His secret activities at night as the Tin Cup Bandit, a very successful robber who steals from the rich and gives to the workhouse, gives him some semblance of satisfaction and peace. But Pierce will not rest until he ruins the greedy and brutal Marquis of Tragmore. Having purchased all of the Marquis's outstanding notes, Pierce now has the man right where he wants him, in his debt and scared to death of being financially and socially ruined. Lady Daphne is the marquis's only child and continually punished for her kind heart in regards to the poor and less fortunate than herself. Haunted by the dreadful conditions she knows exist in the workhouses, Daphne secretly does all she can to help, forever fearing yet another beating by her father if he discovers her good deeds. When Pierce and Daphne meet, he is immediately taken with her kind heart and she in turn is struck by the pain she knows Pierce must have endured all his life. Knowing Tragmore is mistreating Daphne, Pierce is determined to take her away from him. A twist of fate, however, reveals Pierce's father's identity, and gives him a choice which could change his life as well as Daphne's forever. And then, what of the Tin Cup Bandit?Bravo! Bravo! Encore! Ms. Kane is obviously devoted to her audience...she gives her very best to every performance! The romance industry could never have enough of Andrea Kane! Ms. Kane's novels are an addiction of the very best kind! It's no wonder her fans can't wait for more!Diane Potwin -- Copyright © 1994-97 Literary Times, Inc. All rights reserved -- From Literary Times

About the Author

Andrea Kane is the bestselling, award-winning author of incomparable historical romances, including My Heart's Desire, the national bestseller Dream Castle, Masque of Betrayal, Echoes in the Mist, and Samantha. She cherishes the opportunity to tell these stories, saying, "As a child, I was an incurable romantic, a believer in fairy tales where happily-ever-after reigned supreme and true love conquered all. Everyone said I would outgrow it. I never did." Her growing list of devout readers applaud her passion for romance and share her belief in the prevailing power of love! She lives in New Jersey with her husband Brad, daughter Wendi, parakeet Ariel, and Maltese puppy Rascal (who wormed his way into Samantha). She is busily crafting her next exhilarating historical romance for Pocket Books.

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Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: Pocket (June 1, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0671865080
• ISBN-13: 978-0671865085
• Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 4.1 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,237,221 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A terrific book with memorable characters., August 14, 1996

By A Customer

This review is from: The Last Duke (Mass Market Paperback)

Andrea Kane has a wonderful wonderful way of revealing everyone's secrets, combining emotion and laughter in just the right proportions. _The Last Duke_, though I think Kane has written better books, is no exception. Pierce Thornton is a compassionate man and finds the perfect match in Daphne Wyndham. A wonderful read.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of my favorite Kane books!, December 1, 2006

By 

Elizabethann (Small town Missouri) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Last Duke (Mass Market Paperback)

This has to be one of my all-time favorite Kane books. I loved how Pierce rescued Daphne from her abusive father, and then she returned the favor by healing him with her love. It was fantastic! I have read this book at least 20 times, and it still gets better every time!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Refreshing read, August 8, 2006

By 

T. L. Smoot "Victorianprincess" (chicago, il) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Last Duke (Mass Market Paperback)

Daphne and Pierce's story is different from most romances because there wasn't the usual misunderstandings and cat and mouse game. In this book the obstacle wasn't these two falling in love, but with Pierce's past and his present. Although the book was a tad bit predictable in certain areas I thought it was refreshing to read a story where the whole novel wasn't about the "chase."