Lady Claire Leighton is not interested in marriage. After years of watching her mother pine while her father spent his time with his mistress, Claire's only goal for her third Season is to help Mel win her duke. But when her friend decides to use trickery and deceit to further her quest, Claire is uncertain just how far the bonds of friendship and loyalty will stretch ... especially when the duke in question makes her feel none of the things she should and everything she shouldn't. Lucien St. Daine, the Duke of Rothwyn, doesn't have time for a wife. With his brother missing and his sister accusing him of doing nothing to hasten the prodigal son's return, the last thing he needs is a woman in his life. Yet, something about Lady Claire draws him to her again and again until he cannot imagine life without her by his side. But loyalty to family and friends often requires the ultimate sacrifice and love must be pushed aside. With a brother in trouble and a friend pushing for an unreasonable proposal, will Claire and Lucien let friendship and family responsibilities stand in the way of their happiness? Or will one of them finally let go of pride and promises gone awry to let their heart decide?

Fully prepared to sacrifice her own future for her brother's life if she must, Lady Phoebe St. Daine cannot understand why Tristan insisted she go back on her promise to marry Edward Claybourne, the Earl of Vykhurst's grandson, when doing so would mean the forfeiture of his own life, as well. Having fully resigned herself to the idea of marrying Edward long before she laid eyes on him, Phoebe refuses to break the promise she has made. But she never expected to enjoy Edward's company, or most especially, his kisses. Nor did she expect to fall in love ...