The opening night of London’s Season at Almack’s changed everything.

Presented as the beloved daughter of the Baron Hartford, Miss Guest Hartford is presented at her first ball. Her extraordinary beauty, genuine kindness, quiet wit, and effortless grace captivate the entire assembly. Every dance is claimed, every gentleman seeks an introduction, and admiration quickly becomes obsession.

It should have been a fairy tale.

Instead, it became a dangerous game.

Obsessive admirers mistook infatuation for love. And the devastatingly charming Duke Nathaniel Blackwood, Duke of Stonehaven, became fascinated by the one young lady who did not immediately fall under his spell.

Publicly, Nathaniel was an irresistible gentleman: witty, elegant, generous, and impeccably mannered. Privately, however, he possessed secretive rake tendencies and a dangerously possessive nature that few knew. When Guest failed to return his interest, fascination quickly became obsession. He was accustomed to getting what he wanted—and now he wanted her. Refusing a duke outright could invite scandal; accepting his attention could prove far worse. His pursuit would soon place Guest in increasingly compromising and dangerous situations, forcing others to come to her rescue.

Lady Arabella Ashcroft, who had expected to become the center of attention herself, concealed her bitter jealousy behind perfect manners while her ambitious mother quietly plotted to ruin Miss Guest’s reputation.

The Earl of Lampton, Trace Fitzgerald, also took notice.

At thirty-two, Trace was politically powerful, respected in Parliament, and feared by London’s rakes. Stoic and intimidating to nearly everyone, he had no intention of marrying, that is until he saw Guest. Beneath his reserved exterior lay a dry wit and a heart that becomes increasingly capable of love as he comes to know Guest.