Gavin Whitridge, Duke of Baynton, wants nothing more than to find a wife and have a family. However, after being rejected by two women people are beginning to wonder if something is wrong with the duke making Gavin's dreams seem impossible. When visiting the theatre with a friend Gavin spots Mrs. Sarah Pettijohn a woman from his past he wants nothing to do with. But when Gavin saves Sarah from a mob of men, sparks fly, and after she agrees to be his mistress, love starts to bloom. Sarah, however, is not the wife society expects to Gavin to marry, and he must choose between true love and society's expectations.

A DATE AT THE ALTAR by Cathy Maxwell is a sweet and heartwarming romance with pleasant characters and a satisfyingly happy ending. Gavin and Sarah are a wonderful couple, and their different social classes and backgrounds make for well-rounded and interesting characters. Gavin is a morally upright hero who wants to do what is right for everyone. His kind-heartedness will have readers loving him right away. Sarah is an independent, stubborn, and determined heroine, who after taking care of her niece, is finally able to find happiness for herself. The romance is steamy and engaging, and the blending of social classes makes A DATE AT THE ALTAR a mix of upper and lower class settings.

The theatre backdrop is unique and Maxwell brings the reader front and center in Sarah's performances. The antagonist is quite the villain, and he brings some extra excitement and energy to the story. A few added secondary characters help round out the story with humor and some mentorship, and the plot flows easily. A DATE AT THE ALTAR is an excellent read, and readers won't want to put this book down.

Book Summary

New York Times bestselling author Cathy Maxwell’s glittering Marrying the Duke series continues—Twice he has been close to the altar and still no duchess.

Will the third time be the charm? A duke can’t marry just anyone. His wife must be of good family, be fertile, be young. Struggling playwright Sarah Pettijohn is absolutely the last woman Gavin Whitridge, Duke of Baynton, would ever fall in love with.

She is an actress, born on the wrong side of the blanket, and always challenges his ducal authority. She never hesitates to tell him what she thinks.

However, there is something about her that stirs his blood . . . which makes her perfect for a bargain he has in mind: In exchange for backing her play, he wants Sarah to teach him about love.

And he, in turn, has a few things to teach her about men . . .