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It all starts with an innocent proposition

When her father dies, leaving her penniless and without prospects, Elizabeth Medford is faced with a horrible future: marriage to the utterly vile Harold Wetherby. Her family thinks he's a brilliant choice, but Elizabeth has witnessed Wetherby's cruel nature and knows a life with him would be a miserable one. If only he didn't want to marry her. . .but for that to be the case, she would have to have a damaged reputation, and despite her father's missteps, Elizabeth's own name is pristine among society. So far. . .

But innocence is in the eye of the beholder

A brilliant plan is hatched: Elizabeth will organize her own ruin and escape the betrothal, leaving her old life behind. The only hitch is the man she hopes will do the ruining--the irresistible Alex Bainbridge, Duke of Beaufort. But he has secrets of his own that make Elizabeth Medford a woman he should avoid at all costs--for both their sakes. He insists he will have no part in her crazy scheme. . .no matter how tempting she may be. . .

Allegra Gray is a former military officer turned English professor turned defense analyst. She grew up in a home full of music, art, and literature, which inspired a lifelong love for the humanities. Travel is another passion--especially when the destination features tumbled-down castles or ancient ruins. Allegra lives in Colorado and writes novels that interweave romance with the rich possibilities of the past.