When an ultimatum and secrets of the past haunt Miss Aveline Redgrave's future, she decides to take matters into her own hands. Fearful of fortune hunters, she makes a list of acceptable gentlemen to marry. However, one dance with Lord Leybourne, a notorious rake, and she's throwing the list out the carriage window. His compassionate eyes combined with a seductive smile and enticing kisses awaken a passion that threatens her common sense. Can she open her heart to a rake she thought she couldn't trust?

No stranger to scandal, Patrick, Viscount Leybourne, is determined to save his family from ruin whatever the cost, even marrying an heiress he doesn't love. But Miss Redgrave proves to be no ordinary heiress, tempting his every thought as an unexpected desire and need to protect threatens his plans. Will past heartaches and a devastating wager destroy their future or will true love's kiss triumph?