On a visit to Bath, a stranger bursts into Lady Freyja's room and entreats her to hide him. His name is Joshua, who is intrigued by the beauty. He makes her a surprising request: to pose as his fiancee and help thwart his family's matchmaking schemes. For two people determined to be free, it's the perfect plan...until passion blindsides them both.

All of London is abuzz over the imminent arrival of Wulfric Bedwyn, the reclusive, cold-as-ice Duke of Bewcastle, at the most glittering social event of the season. Some whisper of a tragic love affair. Others say he is so aloof and passionless that not even the greatest beauty could capture his attention. But on this dazzling afternoon, one woman does catch the duke's eye - and she is the only female in the room who isn't even trying. Christine Derrick is intrigued by the handsome duke...all the more so when he invites her to become his mistress.

But Christine has very definite views on men, morals, and marriage and confounds Wulfric at every turn. Yet even as the lone wolf of the Bedwyn clan vows to seduce her any way he can, something strange and wonderful is happening. Now for a man who thought he'd never lose his heart, nothing less than love will do.