The Elusive Lord Everhart

In the first of the "Rakes of Fallow Hall" series, three gentlemen make a bet that none of them will be married or involved with anyone within a year—anyone who falls in love owes the others £10,000, a very significant sum. Gabriel Ludlow, Viscount Everhart, is certain of winning as the only woman he has ever loved is far away, unseen by him for five years. Of course, that means that her brother's carriage will break down outside Everhart's country estate, requiring that Calliope Croft, her brother, and her sister-in-law enjoy his hospitality until the carriage is repaired. Five years earlier, Calliope had received a love letter that had made her fall in love with its anonymous author, until it was discovered that he had written a number of similar letters to different ladies. Since then, Calliope has nurtured a desire for revenge because she turned down her only offer of marriage owing to love for the writer. Little does she know that Everhart is the culprit. An enjoyable dance of attraction ensues between the main characters, who are wildly drawn to each other, yet each has reasons for holding back.