A stolen jewel. A whispered accusation. A marriage neither wanted—until falling in love becomes the greatest risk of all. The infamous Paragon Diamond vanished in twelve seconds during the Marquess of Eastclere’s spring soirée. Duke Asher Ravenscar and Lady Evelyn Stratford were both near the jewel—and both received the same chilling anonymous note naming them suspects. With society’s whispers closing in, one misstep could ruin them. The solution? A swift, strategic marriage of convenience. Cold, controlled Asher is determined to protect his dukedom. Brilliant, sharp-tongued Evelyn will do anything to defend her father’s name. Neither expects forced proximity, late-night investigations, and dangerous secrets to ignite an entirely inconvenient desire. As they hunt the truth, clues reveal a conspiracy far darker than a simple theft—and a traitor far closer than either imagined. Now Asher and Evelyn must decide whether their marriage will remain a shield… or become something far more dangerous to their hearts. And when betrayal strikes from within their own circle, the greatest risk isn’t scandal—it’s love. The Duke and the Diamond is the first book in a brand new series by Ellie St. Clair. This is a marriage of convenience, grumpy vs sunshine, alpha male, steamy regency romance.