Five weeks of matchmaking, four yearning hearts, three kissing boughs, two ex-soldiers, and a fake engagement for a Merry Christmastide.

Some days, Lord Carswell Bingham regrets that lieutenant Daniel Kaye saved his life—especially when his impetuous friend convinces him to take a long, cold journey north for Christmastide. But when they cross paths with the beautiful Haynes sisters, and find they are bound for the same house party, the prospect of five weeks in Westmorland becomes far more enticing.

After three long years, Beth and Julianna Haynes finally have permission from their overprotective father to visit their aunt and uncle—a visit Beth sees as a much needed distraction, while Julianna considers it as their only opportunity to find husbands. Unfortunately, a failed past relationship makes Beth reluctant to love again, even if Lord Bingham does make her heart flutter.

Her pride, his prejudice, and the scandal that brought them together.

Melior means superior—at least that is what Miss Melior Kendall, niece of the Duke of Bedford, has been taught to believe. Perfection is her goal in all things, including her connections. But when she is caught alone with her brother's best friend, a lowly baronet, instead of the wealthy marquess she'd hoped, she finds herself forced into a marriage to save her reputation. Now she must decide whether Melior means superior or to improve and be better. Especially if she wants to achieve her secret desire of having a loving union.

Sir Nathaniel Stanford fell in love with his best friend's sister at seventeen, but since then, she's become a cold, calculating, shell of perfection he despises. Even so, when a renowned rake traps Melior alone at a ball, he does not hesitate to run to her defense. Caught alone by several of London's worst gossips, Nathaniel knows what he must do, but will marrying Melior be his greatest torture or fulfill his wildest fantasies?