From the author of The Duke’s Secret Seduction comes a Regency romance celebrating the witty and romantic world that fans of Georgette Heyer have fallen in love with.

“Simpson excels at imbuing her realistic characters with subtle depths!”—John Charles, American Library Association

Recently widowed and left to raise a daughter on her own, the self-sacrificing Lady Nell Simmons knows she faces an uncertain future: her late husband’s cousin and the rightful heir to their estate has staked his claim and is demanding Nell’s removal, despite the fact that her delicate daughter is fearfully ill. When the heartless heir sends his wayward brother Charles to hasten her departure, Nell is relieved to realize that the scandalous man has more compassion than she imagined, but she’s still wary of his motives—as well as the romantic feelings he stirs in her.

Sir Charles Blake, widely known to be a rake and a wastrel, has agreed to serve as his brother’s henchman only as a means to having his considerable debts erased. But when he arrives at the estate, determined to do his unpleasant duty, he’s struck by Nell’s quiet dignity and her generous spirit, and surprises even himself by tending to her ailing daughter. And as a ferocious winter storm strands him there, Charles slowly comes to find himself torn between his obligation to his brother and the feelings of tender longing Nell has inspired in him.

Wondering if he can possibly defy his own brother’s wishes at the risk of leaving himself destitute, Charles realizes he must summon a resolve he’s not sure he possesses. For by facing his true feelings for Nell and convincing her of his sincerity, he may finally be able to restore his tarnished reputation and secure both their futures—and their hearts . . .

Donna Lea Simpson