Elaine Golden

Under intense pressure to secure a marriage contract, Miss Lizzie Talbot doesn't dare hope that handsome Oliver Fortney, Duke of Wainsborough, would ever be interested in her. Though she longs to know his taste and touch, he is far above her station. So Lizzie is shocked when Oliver promises to show her pleasure she never imagined. Yet she doesn't expect more than a brief dalliance. For Oliver is destined for a match of importance and wealth, neither of which Lizzie can offer.

Julian Kenneway, Earl of Vinedale, has a secret: he is in love with innocent debutante Angelica Fortney. She's the one thing he desires more than the tenuous peace he has regained since returning from India. Yet everyone, including Julian, believes he's unsuitable for her – and seducing her could ruin both their lives. But when a rival for Angelica's affections arrives, Julian realises he can't lose her – and can no longer control his passion for her.

As a young woman, Lady Charlotte Fortney learned what passion truly was from her handsome neighbour, Daniel Walsh. When they were discovered, her father sent the lowly doctor's son far away from their precious daughter.Years later, spinster Charlotte is content to watch others play the courtship game – until Daniel returns from India, rekindling a desire that time could never erase. But Daniel seems to have set his sights on another woman, the one match Charlotte would do anything to prevent. He may be willing to give her up – if Charlotte gives herself in exchange.