Millicent understands the terms of her arranged marriage all too well. She gets to be a Countess by marrying an impoverished Earl. And in return, the Earl Fitzhugh receives the benefit of her vast wealth, saving his family from bankruptcy. Because of her youth, they have agreed to wait eight years before consummating the marriage--and then, only to beget an heir. After which, they will lead separate lives.It is a most sensible arrangement. Except for one little thing. Somehow Millie has fallen head over heels in love with her husband. Her husband, who has become her very best friend, but nothing more...Her husband, who plans to reunite with his childhood sweetheart, the beautiful and newly widowed Isabella, as soon as he has honored the pact with his wife...
As the hour they truly become husband-and-wife draws near, both Millie and Fitzhugh must face the truth in their hearts. Has their pact bred only a great friendship--or has it, without either of them quite noticing, given rise to a great love?
The
USA Today bestselling
Sherry Thomas is one of the most acclaimed historical romance authors writing today, winning the RITA Award two years running, and appearing on innumerable "Best of the Year" lists, including those of
Publishers Weekly,
Kirkus Reviews,
Library Journal,
Dear Author, and
All About Romance. She lives in Austin, Texas, with her husband and sons.
“Soul-searing, heartrending, and intensely romantic, this late Victorian historical takes the classic marriage-of-convenience theme to a refreshing new level, making effective use of alternating time periods, as the characters struggle to reconcile duty and loyalty with personal desire and to understand what love really is—and is not. Another exquisitely rendered, insightful romance from one of the genres stars.” –
Library Journal
"Millie’s intellect and selflessness make her a standout among a cast of memorable characters in this expertly plotted and emotionally wrenching love story." --Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“Thomas’s lyrical writing is really the star of the show.
There are writers who can tell a great story, and writers
who can tell a great story with beauty and artistry. Thomas
is in the latter category, and her writing is, quite simply, a
cut above.” —
All About Romance"Searing, tender, and filled with passion, her writing is nothing short of a revelation."—Lisa Kleypas
