The Earl's Awakening — Joy Lynn Fielding

Leander Talbot's life changed forever when his wife died. He is now reluctantly venturing back into society, knowing that, as the Earl of Ockley, he must marry again to produce an heir. But he can't bring himself to the sticking point. Instead, he spends his time evading the matchmaking mamas of the ton. The dark and dangerous Duke of Arden is an infamous libertine. It is said that he seduces innocents, and there are even more sinister tales whispered of his predilections. Only the wild young blades who form his retinue know the truth, but he is shunned by all save those wishing to court notoriety. A chance meeting brings Leander into Arden's orbit. Ignoring the warnings about Arden's intentions, Leander is drawn into a seductive world of sexual indulgence. There, he finds the freedom he craves from his overbearing family. By the time he suspects Arden might have ulterior motives, it may be too late to save his reputation—and his heart.