He's her best friend's brother and the man she has long adored. Can she hide her true feelings to act the part of his betrothed?
Tristan de Neville has it all: dashing good looks; bucket-loads of charm; a loving family and wealth to rival the King himself. Now 26 years of age, it's high time he took a wife. But Tristan has no intention of accepting just anyone. He wants to marry for love.
As the orphaned ward of the Earl of Wolvesley, Mirrie grew up alongside the beautiful de Neville siblings - all the while pretending that the first son and heir did not make her heart pound. When the sting of unrequited love grew too painful, she left the gaiety of Wolvesley Castle to live a simpler life at Ember Hall. But now Tristan has followed her - with a proposal that leaves her reeling.
To evade his parents' command that he find a bride at their Midsummer Ball, Tristan decides to announce a faux betrothal. And who better to join him in this ruse than his oldest friend? Caught up in his enthusiasm, Mirrie wonders why she should deny herself this chance to dance with man she loves. But misfortune awaits them at Wolvesley and in the days ahead, Mirrie must harden her heart in order to protect it.
Tristan soon discerns new depths to his feelings for Mirrie. However, the rocky road of love proves to be unknown territory for this seasoned knight. Romance, he discovers, cannot be planned like a battle.
Will he learn his lesson in time, or is this one campaign he is fated to lose?
Tropes you'll love:
Best Friend's Brother
Childhood Friends to Lovers
Unrequited Love / Secret Longing
Orphaned Heroine
Fake Betrothal / Pretend Engagement
Knightly Hero
Social Pressure / Family Expectations
Ballroom Romance (Midsummer Ball)
Forbidden / Risky Love