When a loathsome rake steals one of her most cherished family heirlooms—and nearly her virtue as well!—Francesca Dunroy devises the perfect plan to put him in his place. At a ball being held in her honor—she didn't "take" in her first season, now her family is determined to get her a match in her second—she'll offer him a clandestine kiss sure to convince him to return what is rightfully hers. But in the dark hallways surrounding the ballroom, Francesca makes a terrifying mistake. She seduces the wrong man! The recipient of Francesca's caresses is none other than Justin Maddox, London's newly titled duke and most eligible bachelor. A defiant Scotsman who disdains London society, he's sworn to steer clear of the ladies of the ton , but he can't escape the memory of Francesca urgently pressing her lips upon his . . . and neither can she. But when a shocking and dangerous secret from Justin's past resurfaces, the couple will have to risk tattered reputations and treacherous enemies to nurture what has quickly become true love.