He’s always loved her. A seaside holiday provides his chance.

Anne Winthrop, the Dowager Marchioness of Litchfield, is a widow out of mourning. At her daughter’s encouragement, Anne decides their Brighton holiday will make for a good place to test the waters of romance. Though she knows firsthand how marriage puts women at risk, it would be fun to dance again. And a seaside romance does promise to be perfectly fleeting.

Victor McNab’s life is exactly how he wants it. His pub, The Harp & Thistle, is thriving. His brothers are happily married. After the three of them grew up as orphans on the streets of Whitechapel, Victor is satisfied with how their lives have turned out. Unfortunately, his unwanted destiny looms. Victor learns his grandfather, the Duke of Invermark, is dying. And Victor, who wants nothing to do with the ton, is next in line.

Horrified by the news, Victor confides in his closest friend, Anne. She encourages him to join his brothers in Brighton, where she will help him reenter the ton. Victor witnesses the attention beautiful Anne attracts and becomes unraveled by a revelation: he wants her for himself. But as someone who has never before desired romance in any form, Victor must uncover what this means or he risks ruining the most important friendship of his life.

Love and friendship may go hand in hand. But they can also crash and burn together.

Tropes/Themes:

✅ Friends to Lovers

✅ Virgin Hero

✅ Brooding Hero

✅ Masked Hero

✅ Widow, Single Parent

✅ Sworn Off Love

✅ Marchioness

✅ Seaside Romance

✅ Pining

✅ Forced Proximity

The Harp & Thistle

Book 1 - A Lady's Guide to Scoundrels & Gentlemen

Book 2 - A Scoundrel's Guide to Heists & Hearts

Book 3 - A Lady's Rules for Seaside Romance