Sebastian Sherbrook, a self-proclaimed scoundrel and the newly minted Marquess of Manwaring, returns to London after his estranged uncle dies, intent on reforming his rakish image once and for all. Yet through no fault of his own, he’s soon embroiled in the biggest scandal of the Season, and his secret plans to court the only woman he’s ever wanted are in shambles.
Lady Katherine Manwaring knows her poor opinion of her late husband’s nephew isn’t about to change, even if the Times has dubbed him “The Singlemost Beautiful Man In London.” When fate casts Sebastian upon her mercy, however, she learns two shocking truths: he may not be the scoundrel his reputation suggests, and he’s hopelessly in love…with her.
But an irate squire, an even more irate dog, several dawn appointments, meddling friends, and a touch of blackmail aren’t the only things that stand in the way of their happy ending. Can Katherine accept Sebastian’s love—and will he still want her if he learns her own dark secret?
The cold, precise Duke of Montford demands things his way: neatly ordered, in place, and adhering closely to the rules. So he is furious when he learns that the tenant of his ducal estate has been dead for a year, and a stranger has been running the Honeywell business—which, by contract, is now Montford’s. When he arrives in Yorkshire to investigate, he discovers that the estate is being run by an unruly, tomboyish woman—and a bluestocking at that! Fiery redhead Astrid Honeywell is independent and educated. She’s been handling the Honeywell family business for years. And she’s not about to relinquish it to anyone—not even Montford—because of some archaic contract. Montford and Astrid have an instant hatred for one another…and an undeniable, unspeakable attraction. They must resist this improper desire—after all, Montford has a fiancée in London. But when Astrid’s life is placed in terrible danger, Montford finds he may be willing to risk everything to save her.
