The Duke Knows Best is the second book I've read in The Duke's Sons series (Nothing Like A Duke was the first). It's actually the sixth book in the series, which doesn't matter all that much as long as you don't mind not knowing the full background of the whole cast of characters.
Verity Sinclair dreams of adventure. A season in London is her one opportunity to find a husband who will not only share but indulge those dreams. A clergyman with a country parish definitely does not fit her criteria, even if he is dismayingly handsome, and the son of a duke, and even if he does sing and play like an angel. And even if her father does disapprove of him for some reason he refuses to name.
Lord Randolph Gresham doesn't have all that many criteria for what he wants in a wife. Someone who likes him would do nicely. Just as long as she isn't connected to anyone who knows about his embarrassing, deepest, darkest secret...
While you can read this one as a standalone, there really is a huge cast of characters, and some of them got a bit distracting at times, especially with a couple of side romances going on and some silly schoolgirl pranks that weren't even directed at Verity. I have to say I was very relieved Verity didn't have to give up her dreams for love; that's the kind of thing that makes me want to throw books at the wall. An enjoyable addition to the series.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for review through NetGalley.