Ellie Browning had a few simple goals in mind. Marry someone respectable, be a dutiful wife, have children…if it happened to be with Lucian, that would make her all the more happy.

She never counted on the man she adored so much ruining her, however. Especially when it meant her being married off to a man old enough to be her father.

But after years of travelling by her husband’s side, she is back. And she is different. The widowed countess is determined to make her mark on the world by taking control of her late-husband’s business. She did not count on it bringing her back into Lucian’s path, though.

Ellie isn’t the only one who has changed. After a devastating accident, Lucian is no longer the rake she used to know, and he has little time for women playing at business. Even if he does find this Countess Eleanor distracting indeed…

If you love a tale of ugly ducklings, reformed rakes, a little suspense and lots of heat, snatch up this Victorian read today.