Yesterday and Forever (1995)

An artist with no palate for business, Margaret Masterson could create a world of excitement on canvas, but her love life was as dull as flat paint. Then a carriage ride on a foggy night swept her back to Regency London and the picture-perfect nobleman she'd always yearned for.

Promises To Keep in The Night Before Christmas Anthology (1996)

Princess and the Pea (1996)

Preparing to inherit her father's business empire, independent nineteenth-century beauty Cecily White resists money-seeking suitors, until she is tempted by the Earl of Greystone, who she insists must prove his love to her.

The Perfect Wife (1996)

An ideal spouse, the Earl of Wyldewood has decided, should be pleasant to look at and agreeable to display on his arm. She should have little effect on his well-ordered life, and little to do with his private pursuit of pleasure. After meeting Sabrina Winfield, he thinks he has found the woman to fit the bill.

Una sposa ideale, il Conte di Wyldewood ha deciso, dovrebbe essere piacevole di aspetto e anche disposta a mostrarsi al suo braccio. Dovrebbe avere poco impatto sulla sua vita ben ordinata, e poco a che fare con la sua ricerca privata del piacere. Dopo aver incontrato Sabrina Winfield, pensa di aver trovato la donna che corrisponde ai suoi desideri.

Excerpt

Emperor's New Clothes (1997)

Ophelia ha barely finished conning the coat off a cardsharp's back when she stumbles into Dead End, Wyoming, and receives a welcome fit for a queen--or a countess, which is what the townspeople believe. Ophelia sees no reason to reveal herself before she strips the hamlet of its fortunes--until she meets Tyler, the town's mayor.

Shakespeare and the Three Kings in Santa Paws Anthology (1997)

Presents a collection of short stories celebrating dogs and Christmas.

Play It Again Sam (1998)

A bearded collie-turned-matchmaker named Sam fetches some romance for his sweet mistress, Phillippa "Pippa" Morgan, in the form of a handsome viscount ready to play Bogey to Pippa's Bacall. By the author of The Emperor's New Clothes.

Believe (1998)

When Tessa St. James stumbles upon an ancient tome, she is transported back to Camelot, where she encounters fierce knight Galahad the Chaste and finds a passion like no other in his arms, and together they embark on a crusade for the holy grail and true love.

One Magic Moment in The Cat's Meow Anthology (1998)

As the weather in Boston grows cold and October winds down, a gypsy places a newspaper advertisement looking for good homes for four cats, with the intent of working some romantic witchcraft, in an anthology of four Halloween tales by Victoria Alexander, Nina Coombs, Coral Smith Saxe, and Colleen Shannon.

The Wedding Bargain (Patto di nozze) (1999)

Maximillian Wells, the Earl of Trent, couldn't believe his ears-or his eyes. Before him stood beautiful, unattainable Pandora Effington, the town's most scandalous beauty, and the fiery heiress was making him a most tantalizing offer.

Lady Pandora Effington,esuberante e imprevedibile,a diversi anni dal debutto in societa' non sembra ancora intensionata a sposarsi.Quando teme che l'affascinante e libertino Max Wells,Conte di Trent, voglia sedurre la sua amica Cynthia,non esita ad affrontarlo.Il giovane pero' ha in serbo una sorpresa:vuole sposare Pandora.Attratta dall'intraprendenza di Max,la fanciulla gli propone una sfida per avere la prova del suo amore....

Paradise Bay (2000)

In the early seventeenth century, a group of women were transported to an uncharted island as punishment for crimes ranging from poor housekeeping to promiscuity. Within several years of their arrival, a British ship, under the command of mutineers, stumbled onto the island to be greeted enthusiastically by the marooned females. Thus was born Paradise Bay. Today, its pristine golden beaches and sweet tropic climes are the perfect place to ring in the new millinium. For four hundred years the magic of the island has brought people together with a fiery sunset, the scent of coconut sweetening the evening breeze. Who can resist the passion? Not Trish and Jack, and certainly not you. Come to where the day begins, come to Paradise Bay.

The Husband List (Marito in Prova) (2000)

An Unexpected Husband

Against her better judgment, Lady Gillian Marley needs to find herself a husband-and quickly. To claim her uncle's unexpected bequest she must marry by her next birthday, which leaves only two months to find a malleable mate. Topping her list of eligible candidates is the honorable Earl of Shelbrooke, yet one look at the very handsome but enigmatic nobleman and Gillian knows that cajoling him into a marriage of convenience will be hardly convenient at all.

A Marriage of Inconvenience

Far from immune to Gillian's entrancing charms, the last thing Richard Shelton is about to bind himself into is a chaste marriage. Though the inheritance is more than and tempting, Richard knows the lady herself is the real prize and isn't about to allow Gillian to deny the burning fervor that sparks between them. Now he has only two months to convince her to be his wife in full ... before his mysterious secret is revealed and their lives explode irrevocably into scandal.

Tra il denaro e il cuore, qual'è la vera ricchezza?

Dopo aver perso il marito in guerra, Lady Gillian Manley conduce una vita tranquilla nel salotto letterario di cui si è circondata. Ma quando viene nominata unica erede da un lontano zio, è costretta a rivedere le proprie scelte per ricevere la cospicua eredità. Infatti, dovrà sposarsi entro due mesi. Propone allora un matrimonio d'interesse a Richard Shelton, giovane conte di Shelbrooke, coperto di debiti a causa di un padre dissoluto. Ma un matrimonio "bianco" è davvero ciò che entrambi desiderano?

Secrets of a Perfect Night (2000)

Once upon a time, three young women each attended a New Year's Eve ball...The moon shone brightly, music filled the air. Kisses were stolen and promises made. But what happens when morning comes?

Victoria Alexander
When their midnight elopement is foiled, a handsome young earl and his dazzling debutante swear to love each other forever--no matter what. Now it's midnight once again...can their love be rekindled with one perfect kiss?

The Marriage Lesson (Lezioni per giovani sposi) (2001)

Here's a regency romp by the author of The Husband List. Lady Marianne Shelton feels that "The Absolutely True Adventures of a Country Miss in London" is an excellent title for the work she hopes to have published as a newspaper serial. Unfortunately, her account of a perfectly proper visit to the Tower of London was too tame to satisfy her editor. When Lady Marianne is given one more chance, she's determined not to fail. She'd be at an utter loss if it weren't for Thomas Effington. The dashing Marquess of Hemsley has been blackmailed into offering hospitality to Marianne, her two sisters, and their chaperone for their London Season. While he claims distaste for the whole enterprise, the midnight kiss he steals from Marianne makes an excellent first chapter for her adventures. But Marianne's plans for a literary career and Thomas's plans to find a husband for the most troublesome of the Shelton sisters are thrown into confusion, when their scandalous "marriage lesson" turns into a lesson in love.

Inghilterra 1819

La vivace Marianne ha ceduto al corteggiamento del marchese di Helmsey, ma non intende rinunciare alla propria indipendenza. Come trovare un accordo?

Thomas Effington, marchese di Helmsley, ha la ferma intenzione di sposarsi per tramandare il titolo. Un amico cerca di convincerlo a scegliere una moglie fra le 3 sorelle del cognato, ospiti in quei giorni nelle sue proprietà. Ma i matrimoni d’amore non avvengono così….ed è proprio Marianne, la maggiore delle 3 sorelle, a insegnarlo al marchese. Che si rivelerà uno studente modello…..

The Prince's Bride (La Sposa del Principe) (2001)

Even at the tender age of ten, Lady Jocelyn knew what she wanted -- to be a princess. And since she wasn't born one, she knew she'd have to marry a prince to become one. Unfortunately, while there are plenty of princes in England early in the 19th century (George III had a large family), none of them seem interested in marrying her. But Jocelyn thinks that is just as well, since she doesn't just want a king's son; she wants a young, handsome prince with his own country and a nice castle. Eight years later, it seems her dream might actually come true. Prince Alexei Frederick Berthold Ruprecht Pruzinsky of the Kingdom of Greater Avalonia, a handsome, charming, wealthy prince with a small but adequate principality (by this point, Jocelyn is willing to take on a castle in less than perfect condition), is in London for the Season, and he's clearly interested in Jocelyn. But Jocelyn soon finds her path to the throne has many obstacles, including intrigue, abduction, and the infuriating Viscount Beaumont, who has his own secret agenda and seems determined to keep Jocelyn from fulfilling her royal dreams...even if it means marrying her himself. The Prince's Bride is a fun, witty adventure -- and, best of all, true love wins.

Inghilterra 1819

Jocelyn Shelton è una bambina quando il padre si gioca tutto il patrimonio. Per questo cresce con l’idea di sposare un ricco principe e il destino benigno glielo fa davvero incontrare: Alerei, principe ereditario di Avalonia, che la corteggia e le dà un appuntamento. Ma al rendez-vous si presenta anche il destino beffardo: un attentatore che vuole spodestare il principe. Jocelyn, coinvolta suo malgrado, viene tratta in salvo dal visconte di Beaumont, ingaggiato da Alerei come guardia del corpo. E, di nuovo, il destino mischierà le carte...

Cover artist: Front: Paul Stinson; Stepback: Doreen Minuto

Her Highness, My Wife (Sua altezza, mia moglie) (2002)

Women never said no to the dashing Lord Matthew Weston and he never said no to them. But this was the first time he found one tempting enough to impetuously say "I do." Was it any wonder he awoke to discover her gone? And when Matthew learned the enchanting creature he'd married was of royal blood - and would abandon their marriage bed without a second thought - he vowed to put her out of his life forever.

But even a princess makes mistakes. And now Tatiana's back, asking for the kind of help only he can give her. But is his assistance all she wants or are there secrets the willful royal is keeping from him? Matthew may well lend her his hand but he'll never again give her his heart. Still, he's determined to tame the green-eyed beauty and change her from a perfect princess to his passionate bride.

I palpiti di un cuore innamorato contro i doveri di una principessa.

La principessa Tatiana sposa lord Weston senza rivelargli la propria identità. Costretta dagli eventi lo abbandona, ma sarà lui l'unico a poterla trarre d'impiccio...

Una settimana di amore travolgente, e la principessa Tatiana sposa lord Matthew Weston, senza però rivelargli la propria identità. Costretta dagli eventi ad abbandonarlo, rimane lontana da lui per oltre un anno. Ma ora Matthew è l'unico in grado di aiutarla a risolvere un complicato intrigo dinastico. Tra diffidenze e pericoli, saprà Tatiana riconquistare il cuore dell'uomo che ama?

Love with the Proper Husband (2003)

Distressed over the current widespread disinterest inmatrimony among their eminently marriageable offspring, the formidable matriarchs of the ton have taken matters into their own meddling hands with the formation of The Ladies' Society for the Betterment of the Future of Britain. Their first challenge: the Earl of Pennington.

Miss Gwendolyn Townsend has seen her late father's estate go to a distant cousin she can't abide ... leaving her well-educated, able to make a perfect curtsy -- and penniless. So imagine her shock when it's discovered that a match had been arranged between herself and Marcus Holcroft, the Earl of Pennington -- one of the most eligible members of London society. Marcus constantly leaves her breathless and confused ... and though she's hesitant to marry a man she's just met, in the end she has no choice. But she makes some conditions first ...

Marcus cannot believe that the bride who has been foisted upon him is insisting on rules to their wedding ... and bedding! He's a man who has never had to tempt any woman into his arms. But even more surprising is that Gwendolyn is clearly hiding something -- and it shocks him to think that their exquisite kisses -- followed by his lessons in passionate lovemaking -- wouldn'tbe enough to make his wife tell him her every secret. After all, he's promised to be a proper husband -- isn?t it fair to also expect a proper wife?

Identical twins, sensible Delia and mischievous Cassandra Effington were the most delicious debutantes to ever waltz across a London ballroom. They looked alike in every way...but no one ever expected Delia to be the one to get into trouble...

How did this young lady's reputation become so questionable?

Once she was lovely, respectable Miss Delia Effington, but an impulsive decision -- and subsequent disaster -- forces Delia to retire from society. Until one night, desperate for diversion, she attends a ball as her twin sister and finds herself dancing in the strong arms of the dashing Viscount St. Stephens.

Delia believes she has never met this man who arouses her passions, yet he seems somehow familiar. For Delia doesn't know that St. Stephens, an agent for the Crown, has been in her home, protecting her under the disguise of her butler. What will happen when this lady discovers the truth about the man she has come to love?

Inghilterra, 1820

Delia Effington si è sposata contro il parere della famiglia, che perciò l'ha punita isolandola. Solitudine che si fa subito più dolorosa qualche giorno dopo il matrimonio, quando perde il marito, vittima di un naufragio. Per fortuna a confortarla ci sono un valletto, una governante e soprattutto un maggiordomo. Anthony Artemis Gordon. L'uomo è in realtà visconte di St. Stephen e agente della Corona, travestito da anziano domestico per indagare su Delia. Pronto a svolgere il proprio lavoro sfruttando la doppia identità, Gordon non ha però previsto di potersi innamorare…

The Pursuit of Marriage (I Giochi del Destino) (2004)

Still unwed at 24, outspoken Cassie Effington has strict standards for her suitors, and she's well aware that the polished charm of handsome rakes like Lord Berkley often disguises a lack of substance. But when Cassie undertakes the refurbishment of Berkley's townhouse, sparks fly between the two, and Berkley realizes he'll have to prove to her that there's more to him than just his good looks and glib manner. Alexander's newest Regency-era romance (after The Lady in Question) is pleasantly written and brimming with fun screwball elements such as a wager between Berkley and Cassie to find the other's perfect spouse, but it falls short on tension and depth of character. Cassie's fear that a charming rake could lure her into scandal holds her back from trusting Berkley, but why she's bent her life around this fear is never explained persuasively, making her resistance seem more stubborn than sensible. After Cassie dismisses this fear, inevitability descends, leading to a sluggish second half. Rigid in her opinions and unhappy when proven wrong, Cassie can be unsympathetic. Although Berkley declares he wants a bride with spirit, readers will wonder why he's chosen one who is so headstrong and mistrustful.

Cassandra Effington e Reginald Berkley, esponenti dell’alta società londinese, sono entrambi alla ricerca del grande amore.

Il loro incontro sembra un dono del destino ma, paradossalmente, i due giovani sono troppo impegnati nella caccia al matrimonio per accorgersi di essere anime gemelle.

Così, Cassandra e Reginald stringono un patto: trovare l’uno per l’altra la persona giusta.

Ma la gelosia, primo sintomo della passione, non tarda a far capolino sull’insolito accordo...

The Trouble with Charlotte in The One that Got Away Anthology (2004)

He was the first ... he was the best ...
He was the one that got away!

Now he's back ...
but do you still want him?

Every woman remembers that one special man who slipped through her fingers, leaving her not only asking the question "What happened?" but also wondering aboutwhat could have been if she hadn't let him go.

Now, four of today's bestselling historical romance writers -- Victoria Alexander, Liz Carlyle, Eloisa James and Cathy Maxwell -- show us what can happen when the man you thought was out of your life forever returns.

In this stirring quartet of original novellas, four sets of star-crossed lovers are given the golden opportunity to relive the passion ... and set the past right. Fate has brought these couples back together, but only love can determine if each is just momentary madness or a reunion that will last for all time.

A Visit from Sir Nicholas (2004)

Everyone knows that an Effington always gets her way ... but this time it's not going to be easy!

Lady Elizabeth Effington simply could not suitably feel the joy of the Christmas season. Ten years had passed since she had boldly declared her love for Sir Nicholas Collingsworth. He rebuffed her and set out to seek his fortunes, while Elizabeth was left a woman scorned. Now, she discovers in horror that the inheritance she's managed beautifully was never hers to control. No, power over her finances lay in the hands of the last man she ever wants to see again: Nicholas!

But running Elizabeth's life isn't part of Nick's plans. He's intrigued when he discovers that the frivolous and flighty girl he once knew has turned into a beautiful and capable woman. Nick vows to woo -- and win -- her, and while she seems unmoved by his fervent seduction, he swears he will not rest until she accepts that most precious gift of all -- the gift of love.

When We Meet Again (2005)

Pamela is a mystery Alexei is determined to solve ...

Prince Alexei of Avalonia is a master at the art of seduction, but when a mysterious young woman he meets at a masked ball spends the night in his bed, he finds he is touched in ways he cannot forget. Still, he wonders if she was real or a dream spun of moonlight.

Alexei might well be a temptation Pamela cannot resist ...

And Miss Pamela Effington is no dream. Certainly, succumbing to the prince's seduction was madness. Now she's come to her senses and is thankful their paths will never cross again. Even if they do, he had never truly seen her face.

But they are both in for the shock of their lives. For back in London, determined to lead a blameless life, Pamela finds Alexei occupying her home -- a townhouse she's only recently inherited -- and he refuses to leave. A feigned courtship seems an excellent idea, and soon the mystery and temptation begin all over again.

Let It Be Love (2005)

When New York Times bestselling author Victoria Alexander created the Effingtons, she introduced an irresistible clan. Now, meet her most unforgettable hero yet ...

Dashing Jonathon Effington, the Marquess of Helmsley, has had more than one lady willingly fall into his arms. But he's so delicious none has ever complained at their inevitable parting. And while Jonathon's no stranger to passion of the flesh, his heart has remained untouched. Until now ...

At each Christmas Ball, Jonathon selects a delectable lady to share the pleasures of the evening -- after all, it's a holiday tradition! But he is shocked to discover that his choice is replaced by an enchanting stranger who surprises him with a proposal of marriage. Beautiful Fiona Fairchild is desperate -- only a wedding will save her sisters and her inheritance. But Jonathon has no interest in marriage, and what starts as a shocking proposal turns into a scandalous proposition that might ruin them both ...

What a Lady Wants (2007)

One bachelor down . . . three more to go. Four most desirable gentlemen have wagered one shilling apiece and a bottle of cognac that will go to the last unmarried man standing . . .

Nigel Cavendish knows he'll marry one day, but hopefully that day is many years—and many women—in the future! Until then, the handsome, unrepentant rake intends to enjoy life's pleasures to the fullest!

From the moment Lady Felicity Melville spies the adventurous scoundrel climbing from a neighbor's window—with his comely conquest's husband in hot pursuit—she knows Nigel is the answer to her prayers . . . with a little reformation, of course! Felicity craves excitement and who in all of London is more exciting than the infamous Mr. Cavendish? So what's a girl to do but hatch a scheme to win what she so fervently desires. But her plan works too well when a game of chance and an errant pistol shot abruptly make them husband and wife—but in a way neither wanted.

Now Felicity has to prove to her wayward husband that she's the only woman he could ever want . . . or need!

Uno scapolo andato... ne rimangono ancora tre. Quattro dei gentiluomini più desiderabili hanno scommesso uno scellino e una bottiglia di cognac che andrà all'ultimo di loro a rimanere non sposato...

Nigel Cavendish sa che si sposerà un giorno, ma spera che quel giorno sia fra molti anni - e molte donne - in futuro! Fino ad allora, l'affascinante, incorreggibile libertino intende godersi i piaceri della vita appieno!

Dal momento in cui Lady Felicity Melville spia l'avventuroso furfante scalare la finestra di un vicino - con il marito della sua avvenente conquista alle calcagne - sa che Nigel è la risposta alle sue preghiere... con un po' di correzione, naturalmente! Felicity desidera l'eccitamento e che in tutta Londra è più eccitante del famigerato Mr. Cavendish? Così cosa può fare una ragazza se non covare un piano per conquistare quello che desidera così fervidamente. Ma il suo piano funziona fin troppo bene quando un gioco del destino e un colpo di pistola errante improvvisamente li rendono marito e moglie - ma in un modo che nessuno voleva.

Ora Felicity deve dimostrate al suo indocile marito che lei è l'unica donna che lui potrebbe mai volere... o aver bisogno!

Who will be the last unmarried man standing?

No man in his right mind would want to get married, but every duke, earl, and viscount knows that a fellow must do his duty in the end. So four of London's most desirable gentlemen make a wager-the prize going to the one who remains unwed the longest.

Gideon Pearsall, Viscount Warton, thinks he has a fair shot at winning. After all, he's managed to enjoy the favors of many a lady while resisting the parson's noose. Even when he's stopped dead in his tracks by the most scandalous woman in all of London-Judith, Lady Chester-he vows to have her bedded but never wedded.

Beautiful, and more than a little bit naughty, Judith has always kept herself within the bounds of respectability, even while playing by her own rules. And the experience has taught her to avoid marriage. She has no desire to resist Warton's hot kisses, and his tempting touch is impossible to ignore.

But soon both Judith and Gideon can't help but wonder . . . is it possible to be a little bit wicked and still follow your heart?

Chi sarà l'ultimo scapolo a rimanere libero?

Nessun uomo sano di mente vorrebbe sposarsi, ma ogni duca, conte e visconte sa che deve fare il suo dovere alla fine. Così quattro dei gentiluomini più desiderabili di Londra scommettono su chi di loro rimarrà scapolo più a lungo.

Gideon Pearsall, visconte Warton, pensa di avere ottime possibilità di vincere. Dopo tutto, è riuscito a godere i favori di molte signore senza rimanere accalappiato. Anche quando rimane folgorato dalla donna più scandalosa in tutto Londra - Judith, lady Chester - giura di portarsela a letto ma di non sposarsi mai.

Bella, e molto più che un poco peccaminosa, Judith si è sempre mantenuta all'interno dei limiti della rispettabilità, persino mentre giocava con le proprie regole. E l'esperienza le ha insegnato ad evitare il matrimonio. Non ha desiderio di resistere ai caldi baci di Warton, ed il suo tocco tentatore è impossibile da ignorare.

Ma presto sia Judith che Gideon non possono non domandarsi. . . è possibile essere un poco peccaminosi ed tuttavia seguire il proprio cuore?

Cover by James Griffin

Lady Amelia's Secret Lover (2007)

Lady Amelia Hathaway thought she had the perfect husband, perfect marriage, perfect life. Until one day she discovered happily ever after wasn't quite what it was cracked up to be. But she was not about to give up perfect without a fight!
Lady Amelia's Secret Lover with special bonus material from Victoria Alexander.

Secrets of a Proper Lady (2007)

Who will be the last man standing?

New York Times bestselling author Victoria Alexander's delicious series about four men desperately trying to avoid matrimony continues...

Lady Cordelia Bannister simply cannot marry a man she has not chosen herself, no matter what her father decrees. So, pretending to be her own companion, she decides to seek out information about her intended by meeting with his secretary—a man who soon beguiles her. But Lady Cordelia doesn't know the truth—the man can't resist is really her intended, Daniel Sinclair.

Daniel has nearly won the wager he made with three of London's most eligible bachelors. While two of his compatriots have surrendered to the shackles of marriage, he's remained free to woo any woman he chooses. Yet duty forces him to consider Lady Cordelia, so, determined to find a way to escape honor intact, he continues the masquerade he started.

Each finds the other completely irresistible, but when they uncover their mutual mistaken identities, Daniel and Cordelia must make the most important choice of all...

Chi sarà l'ultimo uomo rimasto?

Continua la deliziosa serie di Victoria Alexander su quattro uomini che cercano disperatamente di evitare il matrimonio...

Lady Cordelia Bannister semplicemente non può sposare un uomo che lei non ha scelto da sola, non importa cosa impone suo padre. Così, pretendendo di essere la sua compagna, decise di cercare informazioni sulla persona prescelta incontrandosi con il suo segretario - un uomo che presto la affascina. Ma Lady Cordelia non conosce la verità - l'uomo a cui non riesce a resistere è in realtà il suo promesso, Daniel Sinclair.

Daniel ha già vinto la scommessa che ha fatto con i tre scapoli più papabili di Londra. Mentre due dei suoi compatrioti hanno ceduto alle catene del matrimonio, lui è rimasto libero di corteggiare tutte le donne che vuole. Tuttavia il dovere lo costringe a prendere in considerazione Lady Cordelia, così, deciso a scoprire un modo per fuggire con l'onore intatto, lui continua la messa in scena che ha cominciato.

Entrambi trovano l'altro totalmente irresistibile, ma quando scoprono le loro vere identità, Daniel e Cordelia devono fare la scelta più importante di tutte...

Seduction of a Proper Gentleman (2008)

To break a centuries-old curse, beautiful, headstrong Lady Kathleen MacDavid knows she must ignore every rule of propriety by seducing—and marrying—the Earl of Norcroft. So she sets off for London, braving scandal and ruin to achieve her goal . . . until a crazy bump on the head makes her forget nearly everything.

The thrill of winning a bet—that he'd be the last of his set to wed—hasn't eased the earl's pain of losing his friends to marriage. Still, he'd be willing to settle down if he could meet someone worthy of his love—and desire. But he has met no such woman, until Kathleen is brought to him. Suspicious of her motives, he's determined to resist her seductive ways. But sometimes even the most proper gentleman finds it expedient to act improperly . . .

Per rompere una secolare maledizione, la bella, testarda Lady Kathleen MacDavid sa che deve ignorare ogni regola di correttezza seducendo - e sposando - il Conte di Norcroft. Quindi si appresta a partire per Londra, affrontando lo scandalo e la rovina per raggiungere il suo obiettivo. . . fino a quando un colpo alla testa le fa dimenticare quasi tutto.

L'emozione di vincere una scommessa - che egli sarebbe stato l'ultimo della sua serie a sposarsi - non ha alleviato la pena del conte di perdere i suoi amici per il matrimonio. Ancora, sarebbe disposto a sistemarsi, se potesse incontrare qualcuno degno del suo amore - e desiderio. Ma egli non ha incontrato tale donna, fino a quando Kathleen arriva a lui. Sospettoso dei suoi motivi, è determinato a resistere ai suoi modi seducenti. Ma a volte anche il più corretto gentiluomo trova gli espedienti per agire impropriamente. . .