A libertine lord. A fiercely independent lady. A desire neither can deny.

Lord Jasper Hartcliffe—Hart the Heartless to the ton—left Society behind years ago, choosing freedom and fortune over expectations. But to save his twin brother from ruinous debt, Hart returns to London and enters a devil’s bargain with the formidable Justin St. Briac… a bargain that entangles him with St. Briac’s brilliant, unconventional daughter.

Emeline St. Briac endured two empty Seasons before fleeing to Lyme Regis to hunt fossils and craft a life on her own terms. Now forced back to London, she refuses her father’s matchmaking schemes—even creating her own “Bridegroom List” to derail them. She is determined never again to surrender her independence.

Then Hart appears.
Cool. Handsome. Infuriating.
And far too dangerous to her carefully guarded heart.

As Emeline assists Hart with his archaeological research, their shared passion for discovery sparks a different kind of fire—one that neither of them is prepared for. But Hart’s secret ties to her father threaten everything growing between them, and Emeline must decide whether she can trust a man who has built his life on keeping the world at arm’s length.

Can two fiercely guarded hearts uncover a love worth risking everything?

Cynthia Wright delivers a sparkling, sensual Regency romance filled with wit, longing, and irresistible charm. Perfect for fans of Stephanie Laurens, Mary Balogh, and Wright’s beloved St. Briac novels, this tale proves that even the most guarded hearts can fall—gloriously, unexpectedly, and forever.