But all she ever wanted is a loving home to call her own. So, it comes as a surprise when she catches the eye of the most powerful man in London at the ball that Lady Constance Belmore organised. What does the future hold for her after that fateful meeting?Lord Joshua Pembroke, Earl of Derby, is a powerful man who is no stranger to high society. In fact, he governs it. When it comes to women, the Earl can pick and choose as he pleases. But upon seeing Emilia, a woman unlike any other he has ever met, a fire will start inside him. Lord Joshua is certain that he will have her. But how far is he willing to go to get her?When blackmail is the tool used to get Emilia, there’s no going back. Is their undeniable attraction enough to make a forced marriage succeed? Does she have the courage to give full rein to her deepest desires? When it comes to the union between Emilia and the Earl of Derby, all bets are off.

    Two years ago she was madly in love and betrothed to a handsome Marquess. But after a horrific carriage accident left her face scarred, her heart was broken when the Marquess called off their engagement. Amy now enjoys the solitude of the countryside and tending to injured animals. But her peaceful life is interrupted when she is expected to return to London for her younger sister's debut in the upcoming London Season. When Amy is introduced to an old friend of her brother, his intense gaze leaves her feeling that he's just like the rest . . . someone who only sees her for her scars.Matthew Seymour, the Marquess of Chesterford, has the sea as his only mistress. Five years ago he has left a broken man after the untimely death of his beloved Elizabeth. Matthew is devastated when he receives word from his father requesting that he return to London. When he encounters Amy at an old friend's engagement dinner, she ignites something inside him that he thought he would never feel again.Amy and Matthew soon develop an undeniable connection. But as their love blossoms, outside forces have plans to keep them apart. Can Matthew beat the odds stacked against them or will he lose Amy forever?