Declan Deveraux, the Earl of Worthington, is a man who knows one thing for certain – he will never marry for love. With that aim, he pursues only the most vain, and spoiled women of the Ton. Fate has other plans for him, however, and he’s made guardian to Alex Kendrick, a female he likes – God forbid . Now Declan has to get her suitably married, before he succumbs to the temptation to make this fiery temptress his own. Alex, a rapier-wielding countess in her own right, doesn’t welcome a guardian and crosses swords with him at every opportunity. In spite of their less than auspicious beginning, she soon discovers Declan’s quick wit and Black-Irish looks inspire an emotion she can’t ignore, love. Now the battle is for Declan’s heart, because Alex will accept nothing less.

Known as The Marble Duke amongst the Ton, Garret Weston, the Duke of Kendal, sets himself apart from his peers. Nothing will hinder his guilt-driven attempt to become a perfect duke. Nothing, that is, save the alluring and imaginative betrothed he’d thought dead. His intended believes—of all things—that she is a Vicar’s daughter. The “perfect” duke needs a “perfect” duchess, but how is he to discern her suitability? Employing her as a governess to his niece seems like an ideal solution. But whose “suitability” is being tested? His betrothed refuses to see he is beyond redemption. And most grievous of all, she stirs his blood, making him forget what’s important. Cara believes fairy tales really can come true, until she meets the unrelenting and arrogant Duke of Kendal. He looks like a Prince, but acts like a Beast. Why must he challenge her at every turn? Her greatest peril is her attraction to the vulnerable, seductive man behind the title. A match between them would be impossible. But can she show him, without losing her heart, that “perfect” is in the eye of the beholder?