Lady Perdita Briarwood knows the right man for her when she sees him. Still, she never imagined he would be a grumpy earl with tormented eyes and a penchant for barking at everyone. Drawn to his wounded heart, as she is drawn to all wounded things, Perdita surrenders to the power of his kiss. But can her spirit convince him that life is merry? The Earl of Hythe is entirely disappointed by the world and the people who populate it. Frankly, after years of trying to fix things, he’s quite finished and ready to retire to the country and live as a hermit. But one final invitation to the Duke of Westleigh’s estate might very well change his life. When he meets Lady Perdita, she sparks a hope within him he fears long snuffed out. But dare he risk allowing his heart to be crushed by the world yet again?