Although Lady Mary Goldfield hates attending balls with her stepmother and stepsister, she is surprised to discover a pleasant distraction from their gossip. Upon meeting Lord Hanbrooke, Mary feels relieved she has finally found someone to match her taste in books and intellect. When her stepmother appears displeased with this sudden fascination though, Mary knows that it is only a matter of time before her dreams with the charming duke start crumbling.
How will she defeat her stepmother’s wicked scheme to snatch Lord Handbrook for her own daughter?
Lord Crispin Dunaway, Duke of Hanbrooke, would rather be in the company of books than that of people. That is why he is shocked when he realises how compelling Lady Mary’s presence is to him, and not just because she is stunningly beautiful. Although it is clear that her stepmother and stepsister have other plans for him, Crispin cannot get a courtship with Lady Mary out of his mind. Does he have the will to get past everyone determined to stand between them?
Little did they know that as soon as a romance would flourish between them, unthinkable events would take place…
With endless lies and manipulation risking Mary’s reputation, Crispin is not sure what to believe. His feelings for Lady Mary become a web of confusion and Mary is on the verge of being ruined forever. Will the forces of darkness around them have their way? Or will love give Crispin and Mary the power to fight for what gives meaning to their lives?