After five years on the Marriage Mart, Miss Aquilla Knox is ready for spinsterhood until a benefactress steps in to help her secure a husband. Only Aquilla doesnโt actually want to marryโher failure is entirely on purpose. When the earl sheโs nicknamed the Duke of Deception sets his sights on her, she refuses to be drawn in by her attraction to him. If thereโs one thing she knows itโs that a gentleman is never what he seems.
Edward Bishop, Earl of Sutton, has a reputation for courting young misses and dropping them without a second thought. This has earned him a reputation for deceit, a description he canโt refute because he does in fact, harbor secrets and will do anythingโdeceive anyoneโto ensure they donโt come to light. As he comes to know the charming Miss Knox, his resolve is tested. However, trust comes at a price and Ned wonโt pay with his heart.