Tempting a Devil

With her abundant wealth and beauty, Lady Harriet Mercer can have her pick of almost any man she wants, if only she were so inclined to change her widowed status, which she is not. When a ruthless cad forces her hand by threatening to reveal a secret that could ruin her in the eyes of polite society, Harry sets out to sully her reputation just enough to change her desirability as a suitable match. She chances upon her childhood friend Roger Templeton, and Harry knows he's the perfect man to help her. Having recently returned home after wandering aimlessly and developing a reputation as a rogue along the way, Roger is penniless, directionless, and nothing that Harry needs. When his efforts to discourage Harry serve only to provide fodder for the ton, Roger realizes that it might suit his purpose more to give in somewhat and teach his old friend a lesson. The more time the two spend together, the more Roger's protective instincts toward Harry are aroused, but will he feel the same when he learns her secret?