Jaded and disillusioned with love, Dillon Caxton has no time for marriage-minded young ladies, but his plans take an unexpected turn when he meets beautiful Lady Priscilla Dalloway.

Artist Gerrard Debbington accepts a commission to paint a young woman's portrait in exchange for access to her father's celebrated yet strictly private gardens, but when he learns the woman may be in danger, he appoints himself her protector.

"The only thing more troublesome than a Cynster man is a Cynster lady who believes love is not her destiny. Famously known in London society as the Matchbreaker, Henrietta Cynster has an uncanny skill in preventing ill-fated nuptials, not in falling victim to Cupid's spell. But then she disrupts one match too many, she feels honor bound to help dashing James Glossup find a suitable bride for a marriage-of-convenience--a task infernally complicated...

Thomas Carrick, wealthy owner of Carrick Enterprises located in bustling Glasgow, is one of that city's most eligible bachelors. He fully intends to select an appropriate wife from the many young ladies paraded before him--yet no young lady captures his eye, much less his attention, in the way Lucilla Cynster does. For over two years, Thomas has avoided his clan's estate because it borders Lucilla's home, but disturbing reports from his clansmen force...

A gentleman seeking a suitable wife is forced by fate and unhelpful circumstance to become engaged to a lady who had no idea that in selflessly assisting him she was auditioning for that part.