Historical Romance

A hardened marquess who feels he has no soul. A naive young lady making her come-out. An impulsive kiss which leads to a marriage of convenience . . .

Judson Jarvis, Marquess of Huntsberry, was raised by his uncle, who brutally punished Judson in order to toughen the orphaned weakling. As he grew in size, Judson retaliated against all the boys at school who had bullied him, until everyone became frightened of him. Now, Judson is angry, bored, and entirely friendless.

Lady Lucilla Alington is thoughtful and nurturing. She is making her come-out this Season, but her family worries that the wrong men will be attracted to her innocent charm and large dowry. When two rakehells decide to ruin the naïve young lady, Judson rashly intervenes, chasing away the men who would have ruined her reputation, and capturing her delicate lips with a fervent kiss. His impulsive action, meant to save her from ruination, sets off a chain reaction of unforeseen consequences.

Now bound together in a marriage of convenience, Judson and Lucy must navigate their way through the marriage forced upon them.

Can Judson and Lucy's impulsive choice become the foundation for a love that lasts a lifetime, or will the trials they face prove insurmountable?

A common laborer who becomes a marquess. A caring debutante who wants to be more than a pretty face in a pretty gown. An unexpected kiss, which changes the course of their lives . . .

London dockworker Julian Watts was born out of wedlock. Raised by his seamstress mother, he has only known gnawing poverty. Through a remarkable discovery, he morphs into Julian Barrington, Marquess of Aldridge. Thrust into a world he never imagined, Julian grapples with his newfound status and the weight of the responsibilities that come with it.

Lady Ariadne Worthington is on the verge of making her come-out when she meets her family’s new neighbor, a titled gentleman that she is inexplicably drawn to. Lord Aldridge becomes friendly with her brother and cousin, and the more time she spends in the marquess’ company, the more their attraction grows.

An unexpected kiss from Julian leads Ariadne to believe he will pursue her, but once the Season begins, he dashes her hopes, ignoring her and dancing with nothing but wallflowers. As a diamond of the first water, Ariadne has her pick of suitors, yet the come-out Season she had long looked forward to now holds no appeal because of her broken heart.

Will Julian find the courage to conquer his self-doubts and court the love he so desperately desires, or will he allow his feelings of inadequacy to prevent him—and Ariadne—from finding lasting love?