Nachdem sie schon als junges Mädchen zur Waise geworden war, verbrachte Miss Louise Grant ihr Leben als Dienerin, um für ihre jüngeren Geschwister zu sorgen. Nun, da sie nicht mehr als Gesellschafterin der Herzogin gebraucht wird, hat Louise eine Anstellung in York gefunden. Doch in ihrer letzten Nacht in London wird Louises guter Ruf jäh zerstört, als der betrunkene und liederliche Marquis Graham Louises Zimmer mit dem seiner Geliebten verwechselt. Luke, der Marquis Graham, ist fest entschlossen, sich nie wieder einer quälenden Liebe hinzugeben. Als er in das Zimmer von Miss Louise Grant stolpert, ist sein Junggesellendasein vorbei, denn er ist verpflichtet, sie zu heiraten. Doch der kalte und distanzierte Marquis weiß, dass sie nie eine glückliche Ehe führen werden; er darf nicht zulassen, dass seine neue und bezaubernde Frau die schützende Barriere um sein Herz einreißt. In dem Versuch, das Beste aus einer schlechten Ehe zu machen, versucht Louise, die eisige Abwehrhaltung des Marquis zu durchbrechen. Auch als das Unglück zuschlägt und Luke zu seinem kalten, distanzierten früheren Ich zurückkehrt, ist Louise nicht bereit, die Liebe aufzugeben. Schließlich taut jedes noch so kalte Herz auf, wenn es von Wärme umgeben ist.

Lady Mary Dalton fills her time with anything she pleases–and she pleases to do as she likes. With no interest in a husband, Lady Mary is perfectly content to remain in Derbyshire for the rest of her days. However, Mary's parents have other ideas. For the Christmas festivities at Bran Manor, Mary's brother brings home the Duke of Carlton, an infamous man known for his many improprieties, as well as for his distaste in matrimony. Despite his rakish ways, Mary is drawn to him in the most vexing and exasperating way. But when Mary stumbles into the Duke of Carlton's arms one snowy eve, an undeniable attraction is set into motion. Suddenly, marriage no longer seems so horrific–for either of them.

A broken carriage wheel at the base of the Scottish highlands is the last thing Sophie Grant needs on her trip to Scotland. Determined to make the most of her stay in the quaint village of Moy, she discovers some delightful attractions, including the Laird Mackintosh, who lives nearby. Upon an invitation to the Laird's home, Sophie is thrust into a world of decadence, privilege, and wealth–everything she never had. Laird Mackintosh is tempting and beguiling with his scandalously hot kisses. However, Sophie knows he's hiding something–something that could change everything. Brice Mackintosh is torn between his family’s expectations, and his newfound feelings for Sophie. What started out as a game, a distraction before he fills his obligations is turning into more. But when the truth surfaces, Brice worries that he may lose the only woman he's ever loved.

Lady Clara Quinton is loved and admired by all. She has no enemies—excluding Mr. Stephen Grant. After an atrocious encounter with Stephen during her first season, Clara vowed to never befriend him or any member of his family. But when Mr. Grant saves her in Covent Garden from a relentless and lively admirer, Clara falters in her promise. Disliking everything about the social sphere he now graces—including Lady Clara—Stephen wants nothing more than to steer clear of the indulged and impolite woman. Her contempt of him and his family has been made known all over the town. However, after coming to her aid one night in London, the vowed enemies come to a truce. Now, a landlord at the property adjacent to her country estate, a storm leaves him stranded at the duke's home. Uncovering Lady Clara's secrets and vulnerabilities changes the way he sees the privileged woman. Will this newfound knowledge force him to see her through different and admiring eyes? And will Clara see there is more to Stephen than his lack of noble birth?

Miss Olivia Quinton is certain a marriage proposal is imminent, but her hopes are dashed when her gentleman admirer moves his attentions to another at a country house party. Disappointed by these turns of events and seeing the man for the fiend he is, Olivia hatches a plan of revenge. With the aid of Duke Hamlyn, she sets out to make her past love interest pay for his betrayal. Jasper Abraham, Duke Hamlyn, did not think his Season would be taken up with helping a bedeviling chit in gaining her revenge. Everything would work out splendidly well if he hadn’t already agreed to help his friend keep Olivia away from him during the house party and remaining Season. Thrown together with opposite goals, Jasper cannot help but wonder why anyone would overthrow the delectable, sweet Olivia Quinton. Playing her fake beau is no chore, and the more time he spends with her, the more he wants to do a lot more than flirt with the chit. Unfortunately, when games are played, there can be only one winner, but perhaps in this folly, everyone will lose.

Determined to put a troubled Season behind her, Lady Elizabeth Mackintosh eschewed the London social whirl to enjoy Edinburgh—the joie de vivre she hadn't realized was missing. When a handsome English Earl arrives and sets everyone's hearts aflutter, all the better. Sebastian Denholm, Lord Hastings, will endure a Scottish Season if it means he can seduce Lady Elizabeth Mackintosh. Coveting an estate she owns, marriage is the simplest way to acquire it. Shockingly, the courtship is enjoyable when Lady Elizabeth reveals herself as one of the most beautiful, intelligent women he's ever met. But when marriage binds Sebastian and Elizabeth together, Sebastian's real reason for their union threatens to rip them apart. One English Earl finds there is nothing more fearsome than a Scottish lass who's been played the fool twice.