USA Today bestselling author Christi Caldwell weaves a sensuous tale of innocence lost in this blistering romance about a young woman on the run and the lecherous cad she can’t seem to resist.

I don’t want visitors. But when the butler says the caller is a she, I spring to attention. The night just got a lot more interesting.

Turns out the recently orphaned Helia Wallace has come to see my mother, her godmother, for help with a dastardly, dowry-chasing cousin. A likely story. But there’s a snowstorm brewing, and she begs me to let her stay the night. I reluctantly agree.

It’s her reputation at stake, not mine.

With the duke and duchess wintering elsewhere, Horace House is all mine. I’m free to do whatever I want. And what I want is Helia. The Marquess of Wingrave and virgins don’t typically mix, but this one’s different—too bad I could ruin her forever.

Christi Caldwell is the USA Today bestselling author of The Duke Alone, The Heiress at Sea, and numerous series, including Wantons of Waverton, Lost Lords of London, Sinful Brides, Wicked Wallflowers, and Heart of a Duke. She blames novelist Judith McNaught for luring her into the world of historical romance. When Christi was at the University of Connecticut, she began writing her own tales of love―ones where even the most perfect heroes and heroines had imperfections. She learned to enjoy torturing her couples before they earned their well-deserved happily ever after. Christi lives in the Piedmont region of North Carolina, where she spends her time writing and baking with her twin girls and courageous son. Fans who want to keep up with the latest news and information can sign up for her newsletter at www.christicaldwell.com.