A widow seeking passion. A rake hiding his wounds. One scandalous proposition that changes everything.

After a year of mourning the husband she married for friendship—not love—Juliana, Viscountess Gordon, refuses to settle for another safe, passionless match. She wants what her marriage never gave her: desire. And she knows exactly who can teach her—Jude, Marquess of Sandon, the one man in London she trusts not to trap her into matrimony.

Jude has spent years perfecting his reputation as the ton's most notorious rake, using charm and scandal to hide the scars of his past. He's sworn never to marry, never to let anyone close enough to see how broken he truly is. But when Juliana makes him a bold offer—to be her lover, no strings attached—he can't refuse. Not when saying no might push her into the arms of men who would hurt her.

What begins as a simple arrangement soon becomes impossible to control. Every touch ignites something neither can deny. Every night together drags Jude closer to the past he's buried and the future he's afraid to want. But when a threat from Juliana's late husband's family puts everything at risk, Jude discovers that some things are worth fighting for—even if it means risking the heart he swore he no longer had.

The arrangement was simple. The feelings were not. When the arrangement ends, will either of them be able to walk away?

Tropes/Themes:

•  Reformed rake
•  Virgin widow
•  Teach me
•  Scarred and broken hero
•  Healing through intimacy
•  Lessons in love
•  FMC in danger
•  Friends to lovers

Romancing the Ton:

Brought together by friendship stronger than society’s rules, these young women refuse to face the London Season alone. They share secrets, laughter, daring schemes—and, against all odds, each will discover a love story of her own.

Every novel can be read as a standalone romance, but read them all to experience this chosen “family” cheer, meddle, and champion one another through heartbreak and happily-ever-afters.

Book #1: Avoiding the Merry Viscount

Book #2: Loving the Unexpected Earl

Book #3: Hating the Vexing Viscount

Book #4: Reforming the Rakish Marquess

Book #5: Admiring the Jolly Duke

Book #6: Tempting the Broody Earl