In this Regency romance, a viscount is accused of murder, and his childhood friend steps up to offer an alibi . . . and her hand in marriage. A decade ago, wallflower Alyssa Drake's heart broke when Adam Alistair was banished from Mowbray. Now, he's back—wealthy, titled and more cynical than before! And Alyssa's determined not to fall under this notorious rake's spell ever again . . . Reluctant viscount Adam knows only betrayal. But Alyssa proves herself an unexpected ally when he finds his life endangered, and they are forced into a sham engagement. Their betrothal may be fake, but there's no denying the very real passion that explodes between them!