Pretending to be in love can only last so long.After the disappointment of one dream after another failing to become reality, Hannah Grace is determined to avoid returning home. Her reticule nearly empty, she’s desperate enough for money that she finds employment at an inn, an action beneath her station. But to flee her problems, she believes fleeing the country is the only option. When she overhears wealthy Nathaniel Reeves say he would pay to avoid a matchmaker, Hannah seizes the opportunity.Nathaniel Reeves has grown weary of his aunt’s matchmaking schemes. He has enough to worry him without having to fend off a woman he knows will not suit him. When a lovely young stranger suggests he could avoid his aunt’s attempts by pretending to court her, he agrees without considering the consequences.Their scheme is off to a precarious beginning when Nathaniel soon doubts his hasty actions and Hannah is reluctant to reveal the truths of her past. Can they salvage what they might find with each other, or will they realize they are only fooling themselves?

Her attempts at perfection fall short. He cannot settle for anything less. Lady Francine Brightmore is acutely aware that she does not measure up to expectations. A daughter of an earl ought to be graceful, well-spoken and demure. However, try as she might, Fanny is none of these things. With a duke and dowager duchess coming to stay, the expectations placed on her have never been higher. Fanny fears her only hope may be to avoid their company altogether. Between tending to his mother’s health and his plans to fulfill a lifelong endeavor, Nicholas Thynne, Duke of Cravenhurst, has enough on his mind when he visits Roselund Heights. And yet he must also persist in his efforts to find a new bride. However, finding someone to fill the role of duchess will not be an easy task. Not any eligible woman will do, as Nicholas has been raised to expect nothing less than perfection. When two secrets bring Fanny and Nicholas closer together, they find in each other an unexpected friend. Despite their growing attraction, the demands for perfection prove powerful. Will either be able to lay aside expectations and have the courage to risk their hearts?