The Earl's Beauty — JoMarie DeGioia

A gentleman whose heart cannot be touched A lady determined to make a love match Brashness and beauty…danger and distrust And a chance for a love that lasts forever Daniel Ashworth, the Earl of Ashworth, inherited his title when his beloved brother was killed in a duel several years ago. He'd been played false, and Daniel vows to never give a woman that kind of power over him. He glides through society, taking whatever comes his way and avoiding any emotional entanglements. Lady Mary Bridgewater is the toast of London, a diamond of the first water. Many gentlemen vie for her hand, but she is determined that only the strongest love will entice her to marry. When Daniel comes to her aid after an ill-advised visit to a public house, she's surprised by his anger and his apparent immunity to her charms. She, however, cannot stop thinking about him. As for Daniel? He cannot explain his intense reaction to the impulsive beauty whenever he's in her company. When his good friend asks for her hand, Daniel realizes he wants her for his own. Mary falls in love with Daniel, but he cannot rid himself of the fear that she will prove as duplicitous as his late brother's love. Danger stalks him, however. And only Mary's love can save him. Can Daniel ultimately give Mary his heart? Or will he allow distrust to rob them of true happiness?