Book excerpt: When a young widow’s husband makes a shocking return, their marriage of convenience is rekindled with new passion in this sexy Victorian romance. Seven years ago, Avaline entered a marriage of convenience with Lord Fortis Tresham just before he went off to war. Not long after, she received word that he fell in battle, never to be recovered. But now her convenient husband has returned—just in time to save her from an unwanted suitor! Yet as he returns to her life—and her bed—Avaline is cautious . . . Why is he so mature, courteous, thoughtful, so different from the selfish soldier she married?