And two weeks that may change everything.
Lady Alice Pickford is not the kind of woman who fades quietly into the background. With flaming red hair, a razor-sharp wit, and a smile that dares the world to keep up, she thrives on risk, rebellion, and romance—for others. Love, after all, is something she’ll only accept on her own impossible terms.
Samuel Baldwin, Viscount Crewe, has spent years building a life of restraint and order. Haunted by the consequences of past mistakes, he has no time for bold debutantes who speak too freely or laugh too easily—especially not ones like Alice.
When a two-week house party throws them under the same roof, sparks fly faster than scandal. Forced into shared carriage rides, moonlit dances, and far too many stolen conversations, their barbed exchanges give way to something neither of them expected: understanding. Longing. Temptation.
She thinks he’s the most maddening man she’s ever met. He thinks she’s everything he shouldn’t want. But with every passing day, desire becomes harder to deny—and the cost of walking away grows higher than either of them ever imagined.
Two hearts. One house party.
And a fortnight they’ll never forget.
Amanda Mariel, an accomplished wordsmith, holds dual master's degrees in liberal arts and education, specializing in the captivating realms of history and literature. Beyond her academic pursuits, she embraces the joyful chaos of motherhood, tending to both her cherished teenagers and her trio of adored fur babies. Among them, a noble Bernese Mountain Dog named Blaze, and two cats of distinct character, Ezra and Puff, share their home.
A USA Today Bestselling luminary, Amanda Mariel conjures vivid tapestries of eras long past, drawing inspiration from the languid cadence of days gone by. With pen poised and imagination unfurled, she traverses the annals of time, weaving tales that illuminate historical landscapes with finesse and flair. Her creative spirit finds respite in reading, traversing new horizons through travel, and capturing moments through the lenses of both her camera and artistic endeavors. Yet, it is in the embrace of family that she finds her truest sanctuary.