The Reluctant Bridegroom — Sally Martin

A DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH...

It was shocking indeed to imagine a mere cavalry officer as heir to the Westmane dukedom and family estate--shocking, but true. Miss Lissa Westmane was dismayed upon meeting Maxmilian Jameson that this rugged fellow was to be the new duke, replacing Lissa's proper and patrician uncle in the title. In order to salvage the Westmane name, Lissa agrees to help groom her rough-hewn "cousin" for marriage into a suitably wealthy family.

Yet she strikes a secret wager with the irreverent young nobleman that such a loveless union would not so speedily come to pass. And in the midst of playing out her bet, Lissa comes to discover what lies beneath Max's ready grin and forthright manner: a true gentleman.