Book excerpt: A headstrong woman and a newly minted duke find themselves entangled in a battle of wills and a collision of hearts that defies their predetermined destiny. A spirited wallflower… Lady Olivia Montague, a woman unafraid to defy convention, has chosen to embrace spinsterhood rather than be tethered to a dormant engagement. Her determination to lead life on her own terms is unshakable—until an unexpected reunion upends her solitary existence. A resolute Duke… William Breckenridge, now the Duke of Thorne following the tragic loss of his parents, must navigate not only the aristocratic responsibilities thrust upon him but also the care of his three younger sisters. Desperate for help, he recalls his long-neglected betrothal, envisioning a partnership that could ease his familial burdens. A love unyielding… As destiny reunites William and Olivia, a battle commences—one that pits their stubborn wills against undeniable desires. With every clash, their mutual attraction deepens, threatening to breach the walls of resistance they've erected. As their hearts become entwined, can they overcome pride and hesitation to seize their destined happily ever after?