Book excerpt: From New York Times bestselling author Betina Krahn comes a sparkling new historical romance series that will ignite your spirit, and your heart . . . When dashing, determined bachelor Rafe Townsend, and beautiful, impetuous Lauren Alcott are trapped into an engagement by their powerful business magnate fathers, their attraction suggests there may be pleasurable compensations to matrimony after all. Until an outing together puts a damper on their future . . . Lauren is appalled when Rafe refuses to help two women whose boat has overturned on a river. Stripping her outer clothing, she dives in to rescue them herself—delighting a nearby reporter. Soon newspapers and scandal sheets have labeled Rafe as “less than heroic,” for all of London to see, while Lauren is viewed by many as brazen. Besieged by scandalous rumors, and with both their reputations in the balance, what ensues is a prickly scheme that will either forge a partnership of deception—or blaze a path to true love . . . Praise for Betina Krahn’s Sin & Sensibility romances “The very essence of romance . . . endlessly entertaining.” —Booklist, STARRED REVIEW “Witty banter, strong chemistry, and a dollop of mystery propel this charming romance.” —Publishers Weekly, STARRED REVIEW “Readers will gallop through the lighthearted love story.” —Kirkus Reviews