about the book
Katrina, a spirited beauty with the backbone of a maiden warrior raised by an aristocratic mother, a barely titled father, and four virile brothers. Immersed in a world of love, by a family who indulges her independence and unconventional behavior, Katrina wants for nothing. Thus, will only relinquish her freedom for the sake of love. This, however, is contingent upon the love being mutual.
Betrayed and bullied by a childhood girl, Drake Pierce Manchester, Marques Preston swears never to trust another female. Being heir to a dukedom exposes him to every title seeking female and their mothers. Which only strengthens his declaration to avoid marriage for as long as possible. When the time comes to marry, and he will, given that he is an only child and must carry on the title, his choice of bride will be a meek and obedient lady.
So, when Katrina stumbles landing them both in a pond just seconds before the Duke of Rothfal alights with no other than the gossipy Dowager Linkaster on his arm Drake believes he has been set up. He sees Katrina as a scheming, title greedy wench untrustworthy as every other female. Katrina views him as a pompous lord and would rather face scandal than entangle herself with the likes of him.
His father, the duke, enforces a three-month contract on the couple, requiring them to spend time together and pretend to be engaged. As luck would have it, passion builds between them, along with an attraction, but before the notion of love could be determined, his childhood nemesis returns.
Coming full circle, Drake now faces a critical decision. Will he do nothing which could cost him the love of his life, or will he take the risk of trusting once again? The very thing Katrina requires of him to prove his love.