These lovely ladies are up for the challenge.Earl of SussexWickedly sinful, the Earl of Sussex, is an unrepentant rake. The Wicked Earls' Club is the perfect place for a man of his station to indulge. That is until his parents force a match that threatens to rob him of his freedom. Unwilling to be tamed, he travels to meet his bride and demand she put a stop to this farce. Except Lady Tabitha is nothing he expected, and everything he never knew he wanted. Too bad this fiery wallflower is equally bent on ending their engagement.Lady Tabitha, daughter of the duke, will not be betrothed to a rake no matter what her father thinks of his social connections. As long as she doesn't stare into the depths of his green eyes, or linger on the strong lines of jaw, she should be able to scheme her way out of this engagement. That is, if her intended groom would just cooperate in her plans.But the more time they spend together, the harder their attraction is to deny.My Duke’s SeductionCan her gentle tenacity unlock a duke’s heart?Lady Tricia Riley is the sweet daughter of a duke until her family's ailments force her to breech societies’ dictates and go where no lady should… the docklands. When a tall, strong and handsome stranger helps to keep her safe, she agrees to keep their meeting, secret. She’s no interest in marrying a tall and darkly handsome stranger. Actually, she has no intention of marrying at all. Instead, she plans to dedicate herself to charitable pursuits.Ryker Pembroke, Duke of Landon, will marry eventually, as duty requires him to do. But it is a fate, he regards with a certain amount of dread. That is, until an auburn haired minx bursts into his life. Her warmth, charm and giving nature draws him to her even as he attempts to maintain a safe distance. She is entirely wrong for him with her impulsive nature and blatant disregard for her own safety makes her a terrible choice for a wife… doesn’t it?My Duke’s DeceptionA mysterious man saves her life but can he save her heart?Lady Eleanor McIntyre has been forgotten by society, unloved and left to ruin by her father. But just when she is at her lowest, she crosses paths with a mysterious man who saves her. It is like a miracle but even more shocking is that he needs her help to find his lost sister.Lord Matthew Evans, the Duke of Harlington, has an excellent reason for hiding his title from the lovely Ella. The only woman he had ever loved cared far more about his position than she ever did the man. Ella is too beautiful to be trusted with the knowledge he is a duke. But the longer he knows her, the more he wishes he hadn’t deceived her. Because as pure as her heart is, she could surely never love a man who lied about his identity.

    But when an attempt to help her star-crossed brother goes awry, she finds herself married to the Duke of Kerstone. Can the hopeless romantic Miranda prove to her impeccably proper husband that fairy tales really do come true?The Star-Crossed BrideEver a gentleman, Viscount Valentine Fenster steps aside when the woman he loves, Lady Emily Wertherly chooses another man. When he discovers Emily's fiance is a fortune-hunting murderer, Valentine tosses caution—and decorum—to the wind to save her. But he’ll have to move fast since the headstrong and highly-imaginative Emily is intent on saving herself…The Unintended BrideShy Hero Fenster loves two things—books and Arthur Watterly. But Arthur, the heir to a dukedom and pledged to another since birth, is the one thing she can never have—that is until the quest for a rare Arthurian manuscript and a night of passion in a bookshop change everything.The Infamous BrideNotorious flirt Juliet Fenster enjoys the delights of the London season far too much to consider settling down—particularly with a stuffy American like Romeo “RJ” Hopkins. But when the unlikely pair are cast in an amateur production of Romeo and Juliet, they find themselves doing far more than “playing” at love…

    Familiar tropes fill the pages of these historical page-turners, including second chances, friends to lovers, tortured military heroes, ugly ducklings, and unrequited love. Misunderstandings, self-doubts, secrets, shadowed pasts, and antagonists you'll long to clobber, have the flawed, but charming characters, trotting headlong into romantic mayhem. Will the heroes' and heroines' fledgling love survive the tumult? Oh, such chaos and conflict reign for these lords and ladies, which means scrumptious, satisfying historical romance stories you must read in one sitting! Caution: This five-book set contains unconventional, frequently head-strong Regency misses, lords you'll want to hug and smack upside their handsome heads, a cast of secondary characters from utterly charming to dastardly, and more than one spoiled feline with superior airs. Buy this charming Regency Romances collection of heartwarming happily ever afters for delightful, romantic escapes into Regency England's historical past. A Kiss for a Rogue: Can a beautiful spinster trust love again? Especially if the same man asks? A sweet story of love relinquished and redeemed as once betrothed Allen Wimpleton and Olivia Kingsley meet again after a three year separation only to discover their love is stronger than ever. A Bride for a Rogue: When is love not enough? A clumsy noblewoman resigned to spinsterhood determines to win the heart of the man she's loved since girlhood-a penniless soldier who returns from India, a disfigured and disillusioned. A Rogue's Scandalous Wish: A marriage offer obligated by duty; an acceptance compelled by desperation. A stolen moonlight kiss, the threat of a duel, and the subsequent scandal result in a compulsory marriage offer and an equally unenthusiastic acceptance. To Capture a Rogue's Heart: Could you give up what you're most passionate about forever? When a privateer-turned-duke enlists help finding a bride from a woman intended for another, neither is prepared for the resulting havoc. The Rogue and the Wallflower: He loved her beyond anything and everything-precisely why he couldn't ever marry her. Since an explosion ravaged Captain Morgan Le Draco's face, he's fortified himself behind an impenetrable rampart of cynicism and distrust. Scorned and ridiculed most of her adult life, Shona, Lady Atterberry is reconciled to spinsterhood, until Morgan saves her life, and neither can deny the immediate, powerful, and sensual attraction that sparks between them.

    As the illegitimate daughter of London's disreputable Craven House Madame, Miss Samantha Pengarden has never had to face society alone--until now. When Samantha is named Elijah's mistress in White's betting book, her reputation is in ruins--and only Elijah can save her.Surrendering to My Spy by Dawn BrowerA rogue, a marquess and a spy... Each an integral part of Dominic Rossington's life and he does them all rather well. Love throws him off balance and he'll do everything in his power to protect the one who holds his heart, Lady Rosanna. Danger lurks on the horizon and he'll have to put it all on the line to save her.Scandalous Redemption by Amanda MarielCan two wary people overcome past hurts, an old scandal, and social strictures to embrace true love?For The Love of A Viscount by Callie HuttonBluestocking Lady Elise Smith and content bachelor Lord St. George made a pact to thwart Lady Elise's father's plans for her to marry. What they don't understand is a pretend courtship can only if work if you don't fall in love . . .Beauty and the Rake by Erica MonroePolice inspector Michael Strickland sees the beauty inside Abigail Vautille, not the scarred beast she believes herself to be--and he'll do anything to protect her from the blackguard who left her disfigured.Wicked Designs by Lauren SmithEmily, a rebellious debutante, is kidnapped by a devilish duke and his infamous league of rogues as part of a revenge plan, but Emily gives the duke more than he's bargained for.Mad About the Marquess by Elizabeth EssexLady Quince Winthrop has been robbing from society's rich and giving to the poor for years--but when the Marquess of Cairn returns to Edinburgh, Quince discovers love is even harder to resist than temptation.

    Now, no longer needed as a duchess' companion, Louise has procured employment in York. But on her last night in London, her reputation is shattered when the drunk and disorderly Marquess mistakes Louise's room for his lover's. Luke, the Marquess Graham is determined to never torment himself again by daring to love. Stumbling into Miss Louise Grant’s room destroys his days of bachelorhood when he is pressured into marrying her. However, the cold and distant Marquess knows they'll never have a happy marriage; his new and fetching wife will never crack the protective barrier around his heart. Trying to make the best of a bad marriage Louise attempts to break through the icy visage of the Marquess. But when misfortune strikes and Luke reverts to his cold, distant former self, Louise is not willing to give up on the possibility of love. After all, ice will melt when surrounded by warmth. A Kiss at Mistletoe Lady Mary Dalton fills her time with anything she pleases–and she pleases to do as she likes. With no interest in a husband, Lady Mary is perfectly content to remain in Derbyshire for the rest of her days. However, Mary's parents have other ideas. For the Christmas festivities at Bran Manor, Mary's brother brings home the Duke of Carlton, an infamous man known for his many improprieties, as well as for his distaste in matrimony. Despite his rakish ways, Mary is drawn to him in the most vexing and exasperating way. But when Mary stumbles into the Duke of Carlton's arms one snowy eve, an undeniable attraction is set into motion. Suddenly, marriage no longer seems so horrific–for either of them. A Kiss in Spring A broken carriage wheel at the base of the Scottish highlands is the last thing Sophie Grant needs on her trip to Scotland. Determined to make the most of her stay in the quaint village of Moy, she discovers some delightful attractions, including the Laird Mackintosh, who lives nearby. Upon an invitation to the Laird's home, Sophie is thrust into a world of decadence, privilege, and wealth–everything she never had. Laird Mackintosh is tempting and beguiling with his scandalously hot kisses. However, Sophie knows he's hiding something–something that could change everything. Brice Mackintosh is torn between his family’s expectations, and his newfound feelings for Sophie. What started out as a game, a distraction before he fills his obligations is turning into more. But when the truth surfaces, Brice worries that he may lose the only woman he's ever loved.

    Three unmarried lovely daughters. Each one was charming and pretty in her own way. And each one needed to find a husband and remove herself from his benevolence before he went broke. Thus begins the search for suitable husbands for Lady Elise, Lady Juliet, and Lady Marigold. Read their stories in this Regency romance boxed set overflowing with heat, heart and humor. The Noble Hearts Series Box Set Books 1-3 includes: For the Love of the Viscount For the Love of the Marquess For the Love of the Baron

     FORTUNE’S FLOWER - To claim his family estate, James Huntington embarks on an expedition to find his grandfather’s missing journals. He’s at odds with his fellow traveler, the wellborn Miss Lily Strathmore - but even as they succumb to temptation, danger awaits. THE VISCOUNT’S SECRET - Anthony Blake, Lord Percival, is renowned throughout the ton for his handsome face and foppish ways. Only a select few know that beneath his foolish exterior is a keen intelligence in service to the Queen. Nobody suspects his secret until he meets a quiet young woman who sees far more than she should. THE PIANO TUTOR - Widowed Lady Diana Waverly finds love and passion in the most unlikely of places when a new piano tutor arrives at her door. MISTRESS OF MELODY - With her future in jeopardy, a young woman must turn to Morgan Trevethwick, the Earl of Silverton, for help. He cannot refuse a lady in distress, though she threatens to overturn his entire carefully-planned future. A DUKE FOR MIDWINTER - After a gentleman rescues her from a winter storm, Miss Selene Banning finds herself snowbound with Sir Jared Kendrick, a baronet who is not precisely who he claims to be.

    Join the Wicked Earls' Club as they celebrate the holidays in a most debacherous fashion and manage to find true love along the way...Earl of Dryden: A Dangerous lord and a desperate debutante...The Earl of Dryden knows all about the debutante who refuses to speak a word to anyone but he never expected she'd be so lovely, nor did he anticipate that he'd catch her confiding her secrets to a marble statue. Even more surprising, he wants to help her. Which is a mistake. A man like him shouldn't go anywhere near a woman as lovely as Miss Chloe Finch.Earl of Kent: A lady is determined to woo a brooding and reclusive earl out of his home for Christmas, only to get snowed in with him.Earl of Kinross: Marcus Brayden, Earl of Kinross, thought fighting Napoleon on the battlefield was dangerous. But it is nothing to the upheaval caused by Lara Le Brecque, his best friend's sister, when she climbs over his townhouse wall shortly before Christmas and attempts to sneak into his London home.Earl of Bergen: Thomas, Earl of Bergen gets delayed on his trip home for Christmastide when he finds an abandoned, cross-eyed donkey who is believed cursed, and meets a lovely widow while trying to find the animal a home. Widowed Lady Elizabeth Newton enjoys her life caring for three children from her late husband's mistress, as well as helpless animals of every description that have no home. Sparks fly between Bergen and the widow, but can a romance survive the danger that follows the donkey?Earl of Charm: The Earl of Charm has it all—the title, the wealth, the land. The only one thing he doesn't have? Charm. Luckily, his great aunt has brought her companion along to celebrate Christmastide. The lovely Miss Lovelace might be plagued by scandal and notoriety, thanks to her family's downfall, but she knows more than anyone about the art of charm and flirtation. His new instructor makes the ideal practice partner for conversation, and dancing, and...kissing?Earl of Woodcliffe: What begins as a silly game between girlfriends becomes a dangerous distraction for William, Earl of Woodcliffe. Indulging Lady Mercy's desire for a kiss could lead to a duel with her brother, or at the very least, the loss of his glorious, hedonistic ways.The Earl of Edgemore, Blake Fox, does as he pleases and he would not dream of apologizing for it. His only weak spot is his sister, Lady Minerva. Little does he know the minx has matchmaking on her mind and Christmas provides the perfect opportunity.Earl of Oakhurst: James MacKenzie must face London as the new Earl of Oakhurst. Once there, he discovers an ailing grandmother, cause for a hurried marriage and a beauty who defies convention and sets his passion on fire. Caution: this story contains a meddling grandmother, a match-making mother and a marriage of convenience that goes wildly awry!Earl of Darby: Miss Hannah Pendleton, nursing her pride after a childhood crush falls for another, hurls herself into the excitement of a first season. Since his wife's tragic death, the Earl of Darby has cultivated his rakish reputation to deter the matchmaking mamas away. But when Nicholas sees a lovely newcomer being courted by the devil himself, her innocence and candor revive the chivalry buried deep in his soul.Earl of Scarborough: When a woman desperate for a job saves the life of an earl, both of their plans for the future are thwarted. Neither Ansley, Earl of Scarborough, or Willow Harwood are prepared for the upheaval to their lives when she reluctantly accepts his offer of employment... as his housekeeper. Nor can either predict the mayhem that follows when a lord who disdains society and a country miss with no experience plan a haut ton Christmastide gathering.

    Get to know this respectable family of four sisters and their cousin as they each find a love they never expected to find. From dukes to earls and Regency spies… this series comes with drama, scandals and mystery alike. London Season Matchmaker Box Set includes the following novels: The Duke’s Return, Book One The Noble Spy, Book Two The Earl She Despised, Book Three The Duke’s Secret Wager, Book Four To Love a Scoundrel, Book Five Download this clean and wholesome box set today!

    To protect her family, to protect herself, she is determined to find the men before they find her. The last thing she wanted was an entanglement with a duke that threatens her very survival… Hardened long ago, the last thing the Duke of Dunway wanted was an entanglement with a chit of the ton. But in the flash of a pistol, his fate is altered as he finds himself honor-bound to protect Lady Augustine from, of all things, herself. Unmasking the Marquess Some people are born with backbone. Others have to fight for it. List in-hand of suitable bachelors, Lady Reanna Halstead, the epitome of naivety, is thrust into London society with demands to gain a husband. To her utter amazement, she manages to capture the attentions of the Marquess of Southfork. Her love, dreams, and future are soon pinned on her marriage to this one man. One handsome, kind, fantastic man. One man, who has a very different idea of what this marriage will be. He will be hated, before he is loved. Killian Hayward, Marquess of Southfork, is only one step away from completing the revenge he has fought his entire life for. All he has to do is marry Lady Halstead. The one woman that is the key to his revenge. To his peace. The one woman that will threaten the very foundation of his entire existence. My Captain, My Earl One destined to live life on the seas. As captain of the Windrunner, Katalin Dewitt has one mission in life. Serve the ship. The ship that has been her home her entire life. The ship that is the key to keeping her father safe from certain death. She never expected to take pity on an injured deckhand from an enemy ship and allow him onto the Windrunner. And she certainly never expected to allow him into her life. One determined to make his way home. Bound, gagged, and held captive on one ship after another for two long years, Jason Christopherson had long since given up hope of ever getting back to land, much less to his beloved England. He never expected to land on a pirate ship, bound for land. And he certainly never expected to fall in love with his new captain, threatening the one thing he needed most in life–to return home. Neither expected to fall in love. Neither expected to be torn apart by a brutal betrayal. The first three Regency romances in the Hold Your Breath series by K.J. Jackson. Historical romance with strong women, undeniable men, and hold your breath adventure.

    She has been sold to the highest bidder so that she may produce an heir for the devilishly handsome and arrogant Earl and she is outraged. How can she have any respect or feelings for a man whose reputation is that of a complete wastrel and philanderer? She resolves to resist him at all costs yet Sophia is totally unprepared for the exquisite pleasure she experiences from her husband’s wicked hands as he introduces her to a world of sexual delight she had no idea existed. For Ralph, when his cousin had suggested he take a wife to heal the rift in his family, it had seemed the perfect solution to his problems. However, he hadn’t counted on choosing someone as spiritedly passionate as Sophia and something inside of him reacts to her in a way that disconcerts him. What started out as a necessary chore soon becomes an exciting challenge as he determines to do what he does best - seduce his young wife and put an end to the estrangement that exists between them. But why is Sophia’s good opinion becoming increasingly important to him? And why does he feel the compulsive need to convince her that he is not the unsavoury character she believes him to be?

    He discovers on his arrival that Lady Jane Thornton—his longtime friend from a neighboring estate to his parents’ home—is also in attendance. Since he has not seen her for two years, he is pleasantly surprised to find that she is all grown up, and he is more than happy with the result. Lady Jane Anne Thornton is also pleased at seeing her friend, Matt. Occasionally allowed to tag along with him and her older brother, Robbie, Janie has long held a tendre for Matt. And it’s not just because she saw him and her brother swimming at the hidden falls. Will their friendship turn into love? Will they be able to overcome the obstacle of a rival for Matt’s affections? And will Janie even survive the house party?

    The first three books in The Untouchables Series feature three "untouchable" bachelor nobles in London Society and the intrepid wallflowers who bring them to their knees... The Forbidden DukeSpinster Miss Eleanor Lockhart is suddenly homeless and employment is her only option. Ruined after succumbing to a scoundrel’s excessive charm nearly a decade ago, she’s lucky to obtain a position as a paid companion and committed to behaving with the utmost propriety. She definitely shouldn’t be in the arms of a man capable of utterly destroying what little remains of her reputation... Titus St. John, Duke of Kendal, is known as the Forbidden Duke, a mysterious, intimidating figure who enters Society just once each year at his stepmother’s ball. A decade ago, he was a devil-may-care rake until his idle roguery brought about the ruin of Eleanor Lockhart—and his resulting self-imposed isolation. Now she’s back, and she needs his help. But by “saving” her, he may just ruin her life all over again.The Duke of DaringMiss Lucinda Parnell is out of money, a dismal failure at the Marriage Mart, and she’d just as soon leave Society far behind. Desperate to earn funds to retire with her grandmother to the country, Lucy disguises herself as a man to gamble in London’s hells. But the Earl of Dartford, an Untouchable she never imagined speaking to let alone spending time with, is onto her in a trice. When he insists on joining her, Lucy fears her desire to remain an independent woman is destined to go up on flames. As a boy, Andrew Wentworth, Earl of Dartford lost his family to illness, leaving him a hollow shell. Obsessed with conquering one adventure after another to fill the bitter holes inside of him, Andrew has set his sights on parachuting. Nothing will stop him from trying to achieve his goal—not the hazard of death and certainly not a woman who’s gotten far too close. Love is the one risk he doesn’t have the heart to dare.The Duke of DeceptionAfter five years on the Marriage Mart, Miss Aquilla Knox is ready for spinsterhood until a benefactress steps in to help her secure a husband. Only Aquilla doesn’t actually want to marry—her failure is entirely on purpose. When the earl she’s nicknamed the Duke of Deception sets his sights on her, she refuses to be drawn in by her attraction to him. If there’s one thing she knows it’s that a gentleman is never what he seems. Edward Bishop, Earl of Sutton, has a reputation for courting young misses and dropping them without a second thought. This has earned him a reputation for deceit, a description he can’t refute because he does in fact, harbor secrets and will do anything—deceive anyone—to ensure they don’t come to light. As he comes to know the charming Miss Knox, his resolve is tested. However, trust comes at a price and Ned won’t pay with his heart.

     HER GILDED PRISON ~ She was determined to secure the succession, he was in it for the pleasure. Falling in love was not part of the arrangement. When dashing twenty-five-year-old Stephen Cranbourne arrives at the estate he will one day inherit, it's expected he will make a match with his beautiful second cousin, Araminta. But while proud, fiery Araminta and her shy, plain sister, Hetty, parade their very different charms before him, it's their mother, Sybil, a lonely and discarded wife, who evokes first his sympathy and then stokes his lustful fires.  As Stephen introduces Sybil to every pleasure she's been deprived of, duty turns to a deep and mutual love. But with the unexpected arrival of a contender to the estate, Sybil realises that what she's set in motion to save the family might have tragic consequences. DANGEROUS GENTLEMEN ~ Shy, plain Hetty was the wallflower beneath his notice…until a terrible mistake has one dangerous, delicious rake believing she's the "fair Cyprian" ordered for his pleasure. Shy, self-effacing Henrietta knows her place—in her dazzling older sister's shadow. She's a little brown peahen to Araminta's bird of paradise. But when Hetty mistakenly becomes embroiled in the Regency underworld, the innocent debutante finds herself shockingly compromised by the dashing, dangerous Sir Aubrey, the very gentleman her heart desires. And the man Araminta has in her cold, calculating sights.  Branded an enemy of the Crown, bitter over the loss of his wife, Sir Aubrey wants only to lose himself in the warm, willing body of the young "prostitute" Hetty. As he tutors her in the art of lovemaking, Aubrey is pleased to find Hetty not only an ardent student, but a bright, witty and charming companion.  Despite a spoiled Araminta plotting for a marriage offer and a powerful political enemy damaging his reputation, Aubrey may suffer the greatest betrayal at the hands of the little "concubine" who's managed to breach the stony exterior of his heart. THE MYSTERIOUS GOVERNESS ~  Lissa Hazlett lives life in the shadows. The beautiful, illegitimate daughter of Viscount Partington earns her living as an overworked governess while her vain and spoiled half-sister, Araminta, enjoys London's social whirl as its most feted debutante. When Lissa's rare talent as a portraitist brings her unexpectedly into the bosom of society – and into the midst of a scandal involving Araminta and suspected English traitor Lord Debenham – she finds an unlikely ally: charming and besotted Ralph Tunley, Lord Debenham's underpaid, enterprising secretary. Ralph can't afford to leave the employ of the villainous viscount much less keep a wife but he can help Lissa cleverly navigate a perilous web of lies that will ensure everyone gets what they deserve. Heat rate: medium to sizzling What readers are saying about the series: "These books are the best written time pieces I've ever read. Exquisitely written so well you'll feel transported to that era. Romance, evil dealings, scandals of all proportions, lies to name a few. These books are appropriately titled. The characters are intricately believable." “Lies, misdeeds, treachery, and romance.

    Persuading London’s most cynical rake to show an interest in her, will prove to the ton she is worth their attention. What she doesn’t expect is how his bold whispers and sinful touch make her forget everyone else in the room.Roman Thorne, Marquess of Granville, is as wicked as they come. He warns the persistent Miss Dellacourt an involvement with him will lead to only scandal and ruin. Though he desires to claim her for his own, he is determined to keep her at a distance for her sake as well as his own.While Haylie gains the social acceptance she thought she wanted, she loses her heart to the dark-eyed rogue who saw her value when no one else could. Can a stubbornly optimistic wallflower convince a disillusioned rake to reserve his wicked ways for her alone and accept the forever kind of love is theirs for the taking?DANGEROUSA hedonistic rake is in danger of losing his heart when he sets out to seduce a reclusive historian.Studious and socially awkward, Desdemona Littlefield is devoted to researching her family’s extensive history in the seclusion of her moorland estate. When the arrival of her negligent brother and his London guests disrupts her quiet and orderly routine, the dangerous smile of a scandalous rogue threatens to turn her world upside down.Bored with the pleasures of London, Count Leander Vittori joins the country party in search of diversions to satisfy his pleasure-seeking nature. He is intrigued by Miss Littlefield’s forthright manner while her oddly assessing gaze sparks an intense desire and her innocence triggers a protective instinct he wasn’t aware he possessed.When Leander uncovers a plot to compromise the young woman and force her into marriage, he realizes he wants her for himself. Can a man who has lived his life for pleasure alone win the heart and mind of a scholarly recluse?BRAZENA rake known for his seductive charm marries the one woman determined to resist his brazen smile.Braden Fulke, the Duke of Melbourne, is a devil-may-care rogue and a shameless charmer. Rebelling against the day he must marry a bride chosen or him when he was a boy, he refuses to take life’s pleasures for granted. But when his Scottish betrothed tracks him down in London, he is surprised to find her so formidable…and so lovely.Moira Dunn has no desire to marry the bold and rakish duke, but she has a responsibility to fulfill her duty as the lady of Dunnwood. She proposes a compromise—handfast to each other for a year and day, which will fulfill their commitment under the betrothal, then go their separate ways.Though passion flares easily between them, Moira is determined not to fall in love with her temporary husband. Can a brazen rake convince his resistant bride that there is more to their marriage than desire?