The Texan Duke - Karen Ranney

As the ward to the late Duke of Lothian, Elsbeth Carew resides at the ancestral estate of Bealadair. Fiercely attached to the manor, she loves it more than anyone else. When Connor McCraight—the new Duke of Lothian—arrives, Elsbeth does not quite know what to make of the American who has inherited the title but has never even set foot on Scottish soil. The tall, ruggedly handsome Texan sweeps through Bealadair with an air of authority Elsbeth has never encountered.

Connor has no intention of making Scotland his home and hopes to sell the estate as soon as possible. But his plan is jeopardized when he meets Elsbeth. A sweet, gray-eyed beauty, she tempts him in ways no other woman has. As word spreads of Connor’s intention to sell Bealadair, his life is threatened—and the only woman who can save him may be the one he has hopelessly lost his heart to.

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Connor doesn't want to be a Duke. He wants to visit the estate he inherited and sell it off to help his family at home.  Then he meets Elsbeth. Elsbeth was raised by the previous Duke as his ward. Connor is unlike anyone Elsbeth has ever met and she can't stay away from the unique Duke.
Connor is a southern gentleman. He treats everyone equally and his care for others will leave a reader swooning. Elsbeth is determined to make her way in the world even if it is working and running a household in the housekeepers stead.  Her determination and love for her land is captivating. Their connection is undeniable. I don't see how anyone would not want to root for them to have their HEA.
I loved this story from beginning to end. I was intrigued by the Texan leading male in a Victorian story based in Scottland. If you enjoy historical romance with a Southern Duke I highly recommend checking out The Texan Duke.