Book excerpt: A fake engagement with a notorious rogue? How desperate does a woman have to be? Taking him into her bed certainly isn't part of the plan. But this rogue is simply too irresistible, and Cornelia's name is already mired in scandal. What does she have to lose...? Celebrated explorer Ethan Burnell has all the ladies swooning, but he's exactly the sort of 'dangerous man' Cornelia has sworn off. When Burnell's sister throws a Christmas house-party, intent on fixing him up with a bride, he sees only one way out. A fake engagement for the duration of the festivities! Cornelia knows she's crazy to agree to the plan, but has faith Ethan's "adoration" will bring other suitors running. Can she put up with his cocky ways (without wringing his neck?) The game is on! What to expect: A bluestocking heroine who meets her match, a fake engagement, and a Christmas party that changes everything. Looking for historical romance filled with passion, adventure, comedy and intrigue? Discover other titles in the 'Lady's Guide' historical romance series... 'The Lady's Guide to Escaping Cannibals' (a South Seas island adventure 'treasure hunt' romance) 'The Lady's Guide to Mistletoe and Mayhem' (a 'heroine in disguise' Christmas romantic comedy) 'The Lady's Guide to a Highlander's Heart' (an 'enemies to lovers' medieval Scottish romance) 'The Lady's Guide to Scandal'. (a 'fake engagement' Christmas romance) 'The Lady's Guide to Deception and Desire' (a 'disinherited heiress' romance) 'The Lady's Guide to Tempting a Transylvanian Count' (a 'second chance' gothic romance) 'The Lady's Guide to Well-Endowed Dukes' (a 'virgin duke meets wily heroine' romantic comedy) Each historical romance can be enjoyed as a 'standalone' story. 'The Lady's Guide' steamy historical romance series features stories with the following tropes and themes: Fake Engagement Second chance romance Opposites Attract Enemies to Lovers Marriage of Convenience Matchmaking Forced Proximity Desert island Snowed in Heiress heroine Runaway Bride Bluestocking heroine Heroine in disguise Archaeologist hero Unexpected heir Warrior hero