Author(s): Caroline Linden

Romance

Joan Bennet has: 4 Seasons in London, although one might argue that a Season spent as a wallflower is hardly a Season at all; 3 fashion mishaps of epic proportions, inflicted upon her by a mother determined that pink was her best color; 2 broken hearts, although both objects of affection turned out to be unworthy and her recovery was swift; 1 scandalous offer, which she longed to accept but in the end wasn't certain ruin would be worth it (with that man, anyway); and 0 marriage proposals. And she has had enough. If she can't be a respectable, happily married woman, she might as well embrace her fate and live it up, preferably as the kept woman of a rakish earl or similar exciting scoundrel, provided it's far enough away from London her mother will never find out.
Tristan, Lord Burke, has: 4 clinging, pestering female relations bent on driving him insane; 3 favorite types of women: widowed, married, and willing; 2 months of homelessness, thanks to the decrepit roof of his townhouse, currently caved in and in dire need of replacement; 1 friend, Douglas Bennet, roguish and careless enough for him to impose upon for two months; and most importantly 0 interest in the smart-mouthed, sharp-witted, very buxom sister of Douglas Bennet. Because the last thing Tristan needs is a wife, and one can't trifle with a friend's sister without risking marriage. Moreover, Joan Bennet is the last sort of woman he would choose, even if he did need a wife. Despite her mouth. And her bosom. Or the fact that she might be truly delectable under her horrible clothes. Or the fact that the only way he seems able to win an argument with her is by kissing her senseless and yet he somehow keeps coming back for more.