A duke with a past. A lady with no future. One magical night could change everything.
Charmaine Brightley will soon lose her family’s inheritance to a distant male cousin. So when the time comes to marry, she plans to make a practical match to protect her younger sisters’ precarious financial situation. Meanwhile, guests flock to the popular gaming tables Lady Charmaine designed to raise money for the “deserving” poor. If any of the ton were to discover who receives their generous donations, however, the revelation would ruin Charmaine.
Not that she respects the opinions of London Society. Since her devastating first season, redemption has been her true purpose in life. For Charmaine, romantic love is a ridiculous notion meant to entice the young and foolish.
Until a dashing stranger appears at her masquerade ball, and their mutual desire catches fire.
For years, Duke Konstantin “Kosta” Rostov has restricted his amorous affairs to the discreet, worldly, and unavailable women of St. Petersburg. But after a tragic duel, Kosta must abandon Russia for England. Accustomed to privilege and power, Kosta now serves a cruel stepfather. Trying to restore his reputation, Kosta sneaks away to a masquerade ball at Cortwood Manor. There he meets the alluring Lady Charmaine.
Despite their thrilling connection, Kosta understands he has no place in Lady Charmaine’s life. Still, when his stepfather sends him back to Cortwood, Kosta can’t resist the opportunity to see her one more time. But Kosta’s stepfather has an ulterior motive for pushing them together, and his plans could destroy Charmaine Brightley, the woman who has finally captured Kosta’s heart.