That Scandalous Summer [Paperback]

When a wicked widow meets a sexy doctor, sparks fly in this sizzling and evocative Regency romance.

In the social whirl of Regency England, Elizabeth Chudderley is at the top of every guest list, the life of every party, and the belle of every ball. But her friends and admirers would be stunned to know the truth: that the merriest widow in London is also the loneliest. Behind the gaiety and smiles lies a secret longing—for something, or someone, to whisk her away...

Raised in scandal, Lord Michael de Grey is convinced that love is a losing gamble—and seduction the only game worth playing. But when duty threatens to trump everything he desires, the only way out is marriage to a woman of his brother’s choosing. Elizabeth Chudderley is delightful, delicious—and distressingly attractive. With such a captivating opponent, Michael isn’t quite sure who is winning the game. How can such passionate players negotiate a marriage of necessity—when their hearts have needs of their own?That Scandalous Summer

CHAPTER ONE

Bosbrea, Cornwall, June 1885

A drunkard lay snoring in his rosebushes. She looked inexplicably familiar, though Michael did not think he would have forgotten such a face. She was one of the more beautiful women he’d ever seen, all creamy skin and long, spiraling, chestnut hair—and she was dressed as though for a ball.

He stood staring down at her for a long moment. How peculiar. She was unbearably lovely, and . . .

It’s a trap.

He took one step backward before catching himself. Christ, what a wild thought! A trap? His brother was not quite so Machiavellian as that.

Her diamond tiara, one hoped, was made of paste.

He cleared his throat. “Ho,” hlƒN