Clue of Affection — Ellie St. Clair

Violet Harrington will marry for no reason other than love.
The daughter of a Duke, her mother is determined to find her a suitable match, but she is holding out hope that despite approaching spinsterhood she will find the love she is looking for. Then one night she witnesses a murder in the gardens outside a ball, and it changes her life forever.

Lord Joshua Greville, Earl of Wanfield, wants more out of life than that of a typical peer.
He wants adventure, excitement, and to do something that makes a difference. He secretly leads a group investigating criminal activity, the latest affecting the peerage. When the daughter of a duke becomes entangled in his current case, he must act quickly to protect her.

Violet is horrified to learn of her betrothal through an announcement in the newspaper. Despite her attraction to the man, she never wanted to marry a someone she hardly knows.

Can Joshua convince her to go through with the marriage? Will she ever have a chance at true love? Together, can they solve the murder in the garden?

Clue of Affection is a 38,000-word romance with no cliffhangers, no cheating, and a guaranteed happily ever after! While part of a series, it can be read as a standalone book. For readers 18+ due to some steamy love scenes.