“Smart and witty . . . the perfect historical read.” —Julia Quinn, #1 New York Times bestselling author
New York Public Library, Bookriot, Vulture, Time Out, and Overdrive Featured Book to Read After Bridgerton!
Featured in Entertainment Weekly, O Magazine, Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, Bustle, and Bookish!
An Amazon Best of the Month Selection
A Publishers Weekly Summer Reads 2020 Editors’ Pick
A ground-breaking, empowering, and sexy story from acclaimed author Vanessa Riley that fans of Beverly Jenkins, Evie Dunmore, and Alyssa Cole won’t be able to put down. Join these Rogues & Remarkable Women as they fight for their status, their families…and true love.
When headstrong West Indian heiress Patience Jordan questioned her English husband's mysterious suicide, she lost everything: her newborn son, Lionel, her fortune—and her freedom. Falsely imprisoned, she risks her life to be near her child—until The Widow's Grace gets her hired as her own son’s nanny. But working for his unsuspecting new guardian, Busick Strathmore, Duke of Repington, has perils of its own. Especially when Patience discovers his military strictness belies an ex-rake of unswerving honor—and unexpected passion . . .
A wounded military hero, Busick is determined to resolve his dead cousin’s dangerous financial dealings for Lionel’s sake. But his investigation is a minor skirmish compared to dealing with the forthright, courageous, and alluring Patience. Somehow, she's breaking his rules, and sweeping past his defenses. Soon, between formidable enemies and obstacles, they form a fragile trust—but will it be enough to save the future they long to dare together?
“Vanessa Riley at her finest.” —Sarah MacLean, New York Times bestselling author
“I was delighted. Readers on the lookout for Black or disabled characters in historical romance will not want to miss this." —New York Times Book Review
“One of the best historicals I’ve read in years.” —Kristan Higgins, New York Times bestselling author
“Expertly crafted romance.” —Publishers Weekly, STARRED review
Fascinated by the Regency and early Victorian eras, Vanessa Riley made time for renaissance fairs, and period novels and films while obtaining her Ph.D in mechanical engineering from Stanford University. She is a member of Romance Writers of America, Specialty RWA Chapters: The Beaumonde, and the Georgia Chapters, as well as the Historical Novel Society. Vanessa also juggles her military hubby, mothering a teen, and speaking at women's events. Visit her at www.vanessariley.com.
