She came to Kisswick to disappear.
She never meant to trap a duke.
After a lifetime of being the sensible spinster, Lady Iris seeks peace in the quiet seaside town of Kisswick—far from scandal, suitors, and society’s expectations. But when a dangerous rumor follows her there, she makes a reckless decision: ask her childhood friend, Tristan, Duke of Strathmore, to pretend to court her.
Tristan agrees… on one condition.
What begins as protection quickly turns perilous as old feelings resurface, secrets unravel, and desire refuses to stay pretend. Iris wants freedom. Tristan wants honesty. Neither planned on love—or the cost of it.