An Engagement with the Enemy

James Aldwick isn’t ready to settle down, but his father, Baron Retford, doesn’t give him a choice. The stigma of illegitimacy has haunted the baron his whole life, and it’s up to his son to reestablish their good name by marrying into a family with a perfect pedigree. A series of summer parties is the obvious course of action and the perfect opportunity to parade eligible ladies before the reluctant James.

Jessica Westcote, the only daughter of a gentleman, is the dearest friend of James’s sister. When an invitation to Amoret Castle’s long list of events arrives, Jessica accepts to spend time with her friend, not the infuriating James. Even if she does enjoy their spats. But when her father announces that she must betroth herself before the end of summer, she has more in common with James than she likes.

James is certain his former foe won’t lay down arms long enough for a truce, even if it means they both avoid matrimony. Battle lines are drawn, but it isn’t long before those lines begin to blur. Are they friends or foes? Enemies or allies? As the end of summer approaches and James must make his choice, can Jessica trust long enough to imagine a future with him?

Originally part of a multi-author series, can be enjoyed as a stand-alone.