BOOK #6

Start with An Unexpected Kiss. Hugo Drake, the Earl of Merriman, stammered severely growing up. Only as a university student did he begin to find ways to control-and even conquer-his stammering. He still practices daily to keep his stuttering at bay. Now, he attends his first London Season, helping to launch his sister into Polite Society, hoping to settle her into marriage. Lady Thermantia Worthington's three siblings have all made love matches, but Tia is not interested in love or marriage during her come-out Season. She simply wishes to enjoy the social swirl of events and is eager to make friends. She finds a loyal one in Lady Dilly Drake, but Dilly's older brother believes Tia is a bad influence upon his sister. As the Season progresses, Hugo and Tia's combative relationship becomes confusing for them both, thanks to a kiss they share, which arouses both physical feelings and strong emotions for each. Then bullies from Hugo's past strip him of his newfound confidence, and the ton is quick to judge the stammering earl.