A proud spectacle-wearing bluestocking, Lady Pippa Nash is quite content to remain a spinster. No ton suitor measures up to the swoonworthy heroes in the romance novels she reads, so why bother marrying? But when her scheming grandmother arranges an unwanted betrothal, there’s only one person who can help thwart the plot—her oldest and dearest friend, Lord Finlay Knighton. Son and heir of a cruel marquess, Finn’s rebellions are his secret pleasure toy business…and his steadfast yet unrequited love for Pippa. However, when his father unexpectedly cuts off his allowance, Finn reluctantly agrees to a plan as wild as any romance novel: to save his business, he’ll pretend to be her fiancé for the Season. Yet their mutually beneficial bargain goes awry when they are forced to wed and Finn inherits the marquessate. While marriage brings sizzling passion and tender intimacy to their friendship; overwhelming duty, vicious gossips, bitter foes, and family secrets threaten to destroy it at every turn. Can two romance readers find their real life happily ever after, or will society tear them apart forever? Please note this 87,000 word full length book contains explicit language and frequent sexual content. CW: death of toxic parent, brief violence.