Diane Farr

Diane Farr wrote American historical romances that balance social expectation, intrigue, and the gradual development of trust. Duel of Hearts, published by Signet in 2002, places Delilah Chadwick and Adam Harleston, Earl of Drakesley, on opposing sides of a proposed family marriage. Their initial rivalry gives way to cooperation as they try to prevent a match they believe would harm the people involved. Farr uses the premise to explore loyalty, reputation, and judgment within the conventions of nineteenth-century British society. The novel belongs to the historical-romance portion of a bibliography that also includes The Nobody, The Fortune Hunter, and Falling for Chloe. Its title captures both the characters’ verbal contest and the emotional tension beneath it, while the plot allows each lead to revise an incomplete first impression. Duel of Hearts is thus a representative Diane Farr novel: formally rooted in Regency manners, propelled by personal conflict, and attentive to the moment when adversaries recognize shared purpose.