He proposed because it was easy. She accepted out of desperation.
Catherine Ballard has spent years preparing her escape from her dangerous stepfather—the man responsible for her mother’s death. Her only hope was a strategic marriage to a gentleman powerful enough to protect her and her young stepsister. But when her intended dies suddenly, Catherine’s carefully laid plans collapse.
Until his cousin—and new heir—arrives on her doorstep.
Harry Reid never wanted to be Viscount Montague. But with a title thrust upon him and an estate in disarray, marrying his late cousin’s intended seems the simplest solution. Catherine is composed, cautious, and clearly hiding something. Yet her rare, unguarded smiles unsettle him more than he expects.
Their marriage of convenience was meant to be practical. Harry is determined to make it something more.
As he coaxes Catherine out from behind her defenses, desire deepens into trust. But when her stepfather resurfaces with threats that strike too close to home, Harry’s easygoing charm vanishes. Protecting Catherine is no longer duty—it’s all that matters.
Now Catherine must decide whether to keep her heart locked away… or risk everything for the one man who might finally set her free.
Tropes:
- Marriage of convenience
- Protective viscount
- A heroine with dangerous secrets
- Hidden danger
