The Duchess Wager (Countess Chronicles The) by Grant, Katherine

The duke accepts a wager

Fitz, the Duke of Harrodshire, views marriage as a business arrangement, not a question of the heart. Especially once he bets his friends that he won't marry the next woman he fancies. He knows it will be an easy win - until they take refuge from a snowstorm at Bleneccle Manor and he meets Lady Margot Wickham.

A widow in mourning

At her parents' home in Northern England to recover from her husband's sudden death, Lady Margot Wickham isn't sure she'll ever be ready to face the duties of being a Dowager Countess. When unexpected travelers show up in a snowstorm, Margot is grateful for the distraction.

Until she realizes she might be too distracted by a certain duke.

Duty calls

When Margot gets notice of unrest at her husband's cotton mill, she realizes she can put off duty no longer. Alarmed, Fitz volunteers to accompany her south. He plans to help her resolve the issue - but the road trip is a convenient excuse to stay close, too.

This Regency Romance is perfect for fans of Amalie Howard and Mary Balogh. It works as a standalone or as a companion to the rest of the Countess Chronicles series.