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Daphne Wade’s guilty pleasure is watching and staring at her employer’s naked chest every chance she gets. Daphne’s been hired by Anthony Courtland, Duke of Tremore, to restore treasures he’s digging up. Anthony will be opening a museum soon, and values the impressive hard work Daphne does. While Anthony admires her skills as a restorer, he doesn’t value her as a woman.
One afternoon, Daphne overhears Anthony and his sister, Viola, arguing. Viola feels Anthony is taking Daphne for granted. At some point in the argument, Anthony excessively offends – via bland descriptions – Daphne. Daphne’s infatuation has been crushed beyond belief and she intends on quitting her employment. With no family to support her, Daphne doesn’t know how she’ll manage, but her heart is broken.
The excavation Anthony has taken up promises an amazing museum in six months or so. When Daphne tells him she’s quitting, he quickly bargains for her to stay as long as possible. Her work is far too valuable, and he feels he can’t do without her. In trying to sway her to stay longer, Anthony begins to see different sides of Daphne, and a friendship slowly blooms between the two of them.
GUILTY PLEASURES tells a remarkable story. Daphne’s shy, sensitive nature is touching. But, her fighting for respect is outstanding. While Anthony learns from Daphne that being a duke doesn’t get him anything he wants, he experiences character growth. Daphne’s intelligence and Anthony’s perseverance guide them into a lasting relationship in this engaging read by Guhrke.
Reviewed by Robin Taylor
for The Road to Romance
April 17, 2004
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