The Wicked Count — Emily Maxwell

DARING DAYDREAMS

Despite her sheltered country upbringing, Corrine Randolph dreamed of a dashing lover just like the ones in the novels she so relished. Her own betrothed, the object of her girlhood adoration, paled in comparison to her thrilling imaginary heroes -- though Simon Waverly was certainly handsome enough to look the part of a roguish Count. If only she could persuade him to regard her more affectionately than he did a prized piece of horseflesh! She knew she meant nothing more to him than a convenient escape form the London Marriage Mart, but just once -- before she settled into the loveless business of producing Waverlys -- Corrie wanted to be swept off her feet like a romance heroine!

NOVEL IDEAS

Simon Waverly had returned home from the fighting on the Peninsula eager to settle his neglected estates and to marry and beget an heir. And who better to serve his purpose than Corrie Randolph, a local miss who'd grown up most delightfully. With such a sensible match he could forego the nonsensical rites of courtship and proceed with wedded bliss. But Corrie had clearly poked her nose into the wrong sort of book, for she had some rather outlandish notions about romantic love. Simon was willing to play the part of wickedly ardent rakehell to woo his lovely bride-to-be, but he would show Corrine Randolph that real love was far more enchanting than the stuff of dreams.

Hero: Simon Waverly
Heroine: Corrine (Corrie) Randolph