Daphne Bridgerton is no longer naive enough to believe she will be able to marry for love. But is it really too much to hope for a husband for whom she at least has some affection? Her brother's old school friend Simon Bassett - the new Duke of Hastings - has no intention of ever marrying. However, newly returned to England, he finds himself the target of the many marriage-minded society mothers. To deflect their attention, the handsome hell-raiser proposes to Daphne that they pretend an attachment. In return, his interest will ensure Daphne becomes the belle of London society. There's just one problem, Daphne is now in danger of falling for a man who has no intention of making their charade a reality.