One glance through the window of a book shop changes their lives forever.

Major Cornelius Montgomery is suffering from ennui since his days in the military are over. Just turned forty, he is searching for something meaningful to fill his life, for empty romantic liaisons and scandalous pursuits have lost their charm. One February evening, he peers into a bookshop for a glimpse of the only woman who’d managed to capture his heart, but she is off limits because she’s his best friend’s sister. Does it matter?

Lady Penelope Needham—the Marchioness of Weymouth—is searching for purpose. Her husband proved sterile, which thwarted her dream of being a mother, then he died in a hunting accident, leaving her widowed at the age of thirty. To keep busy, she happily works at a book shop because books are old friends and they never disappoint, yet when she happens to glance outside one cold night and spies an old crush—her brother’s best friend—life has the potential to change. Doesn’t it?

The moment Cornelius steps into the bookshop, he’s beset with familiar attraction. As for Penny, since she’s afforded more freedom in society as a widow, she’s keen on pursuing something with the rogue, even if it’s only a bit of wickedness amidst the stacks she never had in the past. When emotions between them are far too strong, and whispers of scandal bring her brother’s ire, they are both brought to a crossroads. If they wish to have a second chance at a romance, they’ll stop hiding behind excuses. Won’t they?

Tropes you'll love:

• Widow Romance / Second Chance at Love
• Brother’s Best Friend
• Rekindled Attraction / Old Crush
• Mature Hero & Heroine
• Bookshop Romance
• Forbidden Feelings & Society Pressure

Dashing Rogues and Ruined Librarians

Book 1 - Of Dukes and Forbidden Words

Book 2 - Scandal Amidst the Stacks

Book 3 - The Poetry Affair

Book 4 - Trysting with a Poisoned Pen