It Was Only a Kiss — Shannon Gilmore

One mystery. One woman with a deadly name. One missing shoe. Before their journey for answers is over, she'll lose a shoe, and he'll lose his heart.Belonging isn't about fitting in. It's about knowing who you are. ~ Nicolette Bradenton Nicolette believes she's finally unraveled the mystery behind her father's murder, but she's about to discover one more secret. The man with the pirate smile who had saved her and so sweetly seduced her was a thief. How had the Duke of Havenly come into possession of the very heirloom that led to her father's death? As the result of one reckless night of passion, she is forced to marry the rogue. She may not have been able to resist his moonlight kisses, but that didn't mean she would ever trust him with her heart. I don't think there is anything normal about you, thank God in heaven. ~ Grant Sutherland, the Duke of Havenly Grant's obsession with Nicolette Bradenton was fated to end poorly the moment he stole her away on his ship, The New Horizon. Forget that it was for her safety. Forget that her uncle approved. It wasn't his honor in question. It was that intoxicating kiss that changed everything. His unquenchable desire will cost him his name. But he couldn't stand by while the murderous thieves who killed her father threatened to end her life over a family relic. The sea was her only hope of escape. He may have commanded the voyage, but she commandeered his heart. One forbidden night at sea will change their destiny forever.In a tale of passion and betrayal, will their union be fueled by desire or consumed by the shadows of deceit? Brace yourself for a journey of forbidden love, where every stolen moment creates an undeniable connection that only love can satisfy. Tropes:Friends to loversForced proximityMarriage of convenience Ruined Rakes SeriesIt Was Only a KissEvery Time You're NearA Lesson for All Time Ruined Rakes Box Set Wicked Widows' League Series (multi-author)Kiss Me Like a Rogue #18It's Not a Rendezvous Without a Rogue #21 Revenge of the Wallflowers (multi-author)Duke of Dalliance Breaking the Rules of the Beau MondeUntil Morning: A PrequelUntil Spring Novella (part of the Christmas Belles anthology)For a Scandalous WagerFor the Love of CloverFor My Fake Duchess