If the gossips of the ton can agree on one thing, it is that the Earl of Iversley’s formidable brother is married to the army—or, he was.

Major Crispin Taverston is known for his ability to take quick and total control in any situation. In the fight against Napoleon, this talent served him well. But he is tired of war and sick of spying, despite being bloody good at it. With the emperor’s recent defeat, Crispin returns home, only to find himself bored and annoyed by peacetime challenges—challenges such as avoiding ambush at social events by debutantes hoping to ensnare an...

If the gossips of the ton can agree on one thing, it is that the Earl of Iversley’s formidable brother is married to the army—or, he was.

Major Crispin Taverston is known for his ability to take quick and total control in any situation. In the fight against Napoleon, this talent served him well. But he is tired of war and sick of spying, despite being bloody good at it. With the emperor’s recent defeat, Crispin returns home, only to find himself bored and annoyed by peacetime challenges—challenges such as avoiding ambush at social events by debutantes hoping to ensnare an earl’s brother. Crispin refuses to be caught. Ever. He believes death stalks him, and leaving behind a widow and fatherless children is not in his plans.

Miss Camellia Harrington has spent the last few years caring for her parents and then mourning them. When her brother returns from war severely injured, she sees nothing in her future but more of the same. Twenty-five-years old, with no dowry, and with looks that have been described as “witchy,” she knows she won’t attract a husband. Fine. But she would like to experience…intimacy. Just once. To see what the fuss is about.

When Crispin pays a call on his one-time superior officer, he is introduced to the uncannily beautiful Miss Harrington. In short order, he discovers the colonel’s sister is witty, sensible, perceptive, and surprisingly pleasant to be with. Perhaps too pleasant. But as long as he denies the growing attraction he feels for her, his life can proceed as usual, his lonely plans unchanged.

Until the lady takes charge, and Crispin loses control.

What happens when a world-weary soldier who refuses to love meets a lady he cannot refuse?