Her only interest is in making her own way in the world. Luckily, he can help.

Lieutenant Eli Williams was supposed to be dead. In the two years since his shipwreck, his friends and family mourned him, his brother spent his savings, and his fiancée married someone else. So, when he turns up in the middle of the London social season citing the wild reasons for his absence, it creates quite a stir. All Eli wants is to set his life back in order and mend his relationship with his former friend Jane, whom he secretly loves, before returning to sea.

But Jane Bishop refuses to waste any more of her life pining over Eli, who chose her cousin instead of her. She needs to focus on gaining her financial independence by establishing her ladies' gambling club. Never mind that Eli keeps trying to atone for his past mistake by bringing in new members and sharing steamy kisses with her when no one is looking. The fact that he's obviously keeping secrets about his disappearance means that she can't trust him with her heart, even if she wants to.

As Eli goes above and beyond to support Jane, her defensive walls begin to fall. But when Eli faces a court of inquiry on suspicion of desertion, Jane must decide if she can let go of the past and stand by Eli or risk losing their love for good.

This charming and sexy friends to enemies to lovers historical romance romp is the perfect read for fans of Evie Dunmore and India Holton.