The Earl of Augustine is the last of his friends to hold out on marriage, though he knows he must give in soon. After years pining for his heart’s love, Felicity, he’s considered a less-than-ideal prospect, and his whispered reputation as a rakehell disciplinarian doesn’t help. At least he’s not having troubles like Wescott’s youngest sister, the mysteriously perceptive Lady Elizabeth, who’s suffered three broken engagements on her way to nuptial bliss.

Alas, such bliss is not guaranteed. August finds himself compelled to play the hero when her fourth engagement ends with spectacular cruelty before all their family and friends. Their hasty marriage of convenience solves problems for Elizabeth and August, yes, but creates problems too. For August knows he can never reveal the depth of his debauched hungers to someone so innocent and vulnerable, lest he hurt her even more than she’s already been hurt…