Desired by the Famous Rake of Monclair

Penelope Anderson, long past the age society deems “marriageable” and burdened by rumor, devotes herself to securing a perfect match for her younger sister. Everything proceeds as planned until Lord Anthony Ravenport, a notorious rake she once met under scandalous circumstances, becomes her sister’s most promising suitor. Though Penelope knows he is dangerously unsuitable, his status makes him impossible to refuse. As tensions rise, so does an undeniable attraction between Penelope and Anthony, one that threatens to ruin not only her sister’s future, but the fragile reputation of their entire family. *** “You mannerless coward!” She snapped out her frustration, finally releasing the outburst that seemed to have cracked the final piece of decorum within her. That seemed to surprise him as he frowned. “Coward?” “Yes!” “How precisely am I a coward?” “Because,” she sputtered furiously, “any gentleman would have turned away immediately!” What manner of man was he?! Penelope couldn't take it anymore. Someone who wasn't at least considered that his—as much as hers—image would be soiled. He seemed to consider her response with a thoughtful hum, and then, with deliberate slowness, straightened from the rock, pushing his body fully into the lake. “Well,” he said calmly with a tone that made her breath hitch slightly, and sent a shiver down her spine. “…there is the unfortunate problem.” Penelope narrowed her eyes, swallowing the lump down her throat, and concealing the heat blooming across her face. “And what problem is that?” The stranger folded his arms loosely across his chest, entirely unbothered before saying, “I never claimed to be a gentleman.”