Since resigning his cavalry commission, Benedict Revelstoke has spent his time in London avoiding the marriage mart. But when he discovers that the Earl of Clivesden has his sights set on Julia, Benedict tries to protect his childhood best friend from the man's advances - only to discover that more than friendship is driving his desire to defend her. He surprises them both with the force of his feelings. But when Julia refuses him, and her father announces her betrothal, Benedict fears he's lost her forever - until Julia approaches him with a shocking scheme that will ruin her for all respectable society and lead them into an exquisite world of forbidden pleasures.
Julia St. Claire is determined to never risk her heart or fall in love. After seeing the pain of unrequited love experienced by her sister Sophia, Julia has decided that instead she will either never marry. Sophia, on the other hand, has turned down all suitors and is determined to marry no one other than the Earl of Clivesden, who stole her heart five years ago.
When Sophia faints at a ball after being rudely dismissed by Clivesden, she finds herself rescued by an unlikely man of formidable reputation and estimable title. When her mother finds her alone with a gentleman (despite her unconscious state), her mother sees this as an opportunity to secure a match for Sophia and announces that her daughter has been compromised and must be married to the rescuer at once. Little does Sophia know, that her mother is anxious to get both daughters married before their father's debt brings dishonor on the family.
Meanwhile, Sophia's love, Clivesden, has his eyes set on her sister Julia. Determined not to break her sister's heart, Julia rebuffs Clivesden's attempts to court her. To her rescue comes her childhood friend, Benedict Revelstoke who has made it a practice to adamantly avoid the marriage mart. When Julia is in trouble however, he can't help but step in to save her from Clivesden who is a known rake of ill repute.
What follows are two great love stories for the St. Claire sisters combined into one novel. While their lives don't turn out at all as they had planned, they are both in for great adventures in love and romance.
This story is a delightful mix of romance, humor, passion, and excitement. The characters are well developed and likeable. The story is a bit predictable, but still very enjoyable.
I listened to the Tantor Audio version of the book narrated by Veida Dehmlow. Dehmlow did an excellent job narrating the story with clarity and grace. I would definitely recommend the audiobook for this novel!
NARRATED BY: VEIDA DEHMLOW
LENGTH: 11 HRS AND 51 MINS
RELEASE DATE: 6/3/2013
PUBLISHER: TANTOR AUDIO