A Novel Affair — Patricia Laye

Her heart was an open book...

DETERMINED TO BE A SPINSTER ...DESTINED FOR ROMANCE

Octavia Devonshire has vowed she'll never marry--it might interfere with her plans to become a famous novelist. But how to fend off the bothersome suitors her anxious parents have lined up for her? With the notorious rake, Lord Carrington, as her confidant, she launches a daring campaign to make herself so unappealing that even her sizable dowry will lose its attraction.

The devilish--some say dangerous--Carrington tells her it amuses him to play a part in her unladylike schemes, and Octavia thinks him the perfect model of the dashing hero she writes about in her novels. In fact, she has even considered kissing the scoundrel .. . just for research, of course....

But when the disreputable Carrington's interest becomes more than casual, Octavia fears this is one plot she may not be able to control!