The Huxtable siblings raised by their elder sister, Margaret, after their parents' death, receive an unexpected inheritance when Stephen inherits a title. From rags to riches, the Huxtables' lives turn upside down. Katherine, the youngest sister, has always been popular with the gentlemen. Katherine does not feel anything special toward any of them. When Baron Montford offers her a walk down the secluded Vauxhall paths, Katherine accepts attracted to his laughing eyes. Once again, Katherine's life undergoes upheaval. The Baron wagered he could win her innocence with his friends. He stops just short of winning the bet. She was too easy. Katherine flees London and returns to the country. Katherine, always the dreamer, embraces the peaceful solitude she once treasured

Three years ago, Jasper Finley, Baron Montford, almost crosses the line from decency to depravity when he wagers an innocent's virtue. Jasper banishes himself from London and returns to his estate for a year. Still a rogue but a more reflective one, Jasper brings his stepsister to London for her upcoming eighteenth birthday. Immediately his aunt challenges his guardianship. She would like nothing more than to take charge of Charlotte's inheritance. Jasper underestimates her and does not take her objection seriously. Instead, Jasper concentrates on the recently returned Katherine. He loves their verbal sparring and surprisingly notes that he likes her.

After three years, Katherine thought she would be cured of her interest in Jasper but finds she is not. Katherine sees beyond the mask he portrays to the world and wants nothing more than to teach him to leave his cynicism behind and open his eyes to the possibilities the world offers. Neither sees the danger from Charlotte's aunt until Katherine's reputation lies in tatters. Marriage is their only option. Now, their future lies in their ability to find the possibilities that marriage could offer.

Ms. Balogh creates Regency family centered dramas that are not quick and easy reads as they delve into the characters complicated lives. In the Huxtable series, Ms. Balogh ponders the romance of a dreamer to one who has lost the ability to dream. The journey Katherine and Jasper take as they examine their motives and hearts will capture readers' own hearts in this superbly told tale.

Book Summary

New York Times bestselling author Mary Balogh sweeps us back in time to an age of scandal and glittering society— and brings to life an extraordinary family: the daring, passionate Huxtables. Katherine, the youngest sister—and society’s most ravishing innocent—is about to turn the tables on the irresistible rakehell sworn to seduce her, body and soul....

In a night of drunken revelry, Jasper Finley, Baron Montford, gambles his reputation as London’s most notorious lover on one woman. His challenge? To seduce the exquisite, virtuous Katherine Huxtable within a fortnight. But when his best-laid plans go awry, Jasper devises a wager of his own. For Katherine, already wildly attracted to him, Jasper’s offer is irresistible: to make London’s most dangerous rake fall in love with her. Then Jasper suddenly ups the ante. Katherine knows she should refuse. But with scandal brewing and her reputation in jeopardy, she reluctantly agrees to become his wife. Now, as passion ignites, the seduction really begins. And this time the prize is nothing less than both their hearts.…