For too long Miss Emily Parr has been subject to the whims of her indebted uncle and the lecherous advances of his repulsive business partner. Her plan to be done with dominating men forever is simple: find herself a kind husband who will leave her to her books.It seems an easy enough plan, until she is unexpectedly abducted by an incorrigible duke who hides a wounded spirit behind flashing green eyes.

Lady Pearyn Treedale has been affianced to Cameron Spencer, the Duke of Partridgdon, since she was eight years old. An archaic practice, but a situation she’s come to enjoy. At her formal introduction to society, she wasn’t like the other debutantes. While they all searched for husbands, she made friends, had titillating conversations, and did whatever pleased her. Her fiancé had the good grace to be absent most of her life. Then, the duke went on his world tour, and decided never to return to England, allowing Lady Pear a freedom most ladies never experience. 

It’s Christmastide 1817, and Miss Christiana Smythe, daughter of a squire, is not looking forward to the social obligations of the season. Wanting nothing more than to care for the area’s sick and ailing animal population, doing the rounds in glittering ballrooms festooned with holiday finery makes her lightheaded. Yet, it’s a necessity to realizing the dream of love.

At 19, Christopher "Kit" Hollingsworth is spared the noose, but sentenced to serve seven years in Australia as a convict. The men who betrayed him have plans to make sure he never returns to England. But Kit's strong will and thirst for vengeance ensure his survival.

Gemma Haverford knows exactly who she will marry: James Randolph, the man she's had a secret understanding with for the last 11 years. With every letter written between them while he's been off at sea, their love has grown. Now they will be reunited with his return to England. There's just one problem. The man whose words she'd fallen in love with isn't James at all....