Diana Thornbury has spent years protecting the quiet life she built for herself and her young son. Returning to her childhood home was meant to be temporary, until her sister vanishes on the eve of her forced marriage to an infamous Duke. With scandal threatening to destroy her family, Diana is offered in her sister’s place and steps into a future she could not foresee.

Lachlan MacLeod, Duke of Dunmore, has lived too long beneath the shadow of whispered accusations and the scars left by a devastating fire. He never planned for a bride with a child, a small boy who looks at his face and sees courage instead of darkness. Reshaped by the unexpected tenderness, Lachlan must face a question he has long avoided: can a man branded monstrous ever be worthy of love?

At Castle Dunmore, secrets press in from every shadow as questions about Diana’s sister refuse to fade. As unsettling truths begin to surface, the fragile trust between Diana and Lachlan is tested. With danger closing in and the truth threatening to change everything, they must decide if they can trust one another or risk losing the bond beginning to form between them.

Tropes: Arranged marriage, Bride swap, Widow heroine, Protective hero, Enemies to lovers

"The Scottish Duke’s Substitute Bride" is a historical romance novel of approximately 70,000 words. No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a guaranteed happily ever after.