THAT SCANDALOUS SUMMER

The first book in the new Rules for the Reckless series.

In the social whirl of Regency England, Elizabeth Chudderley is at the top of every guest list, the life of every party, and the belle of every ball. But her friends and admirers would be stunned to know the truth: that the merriest widow in London is also the loneliest. Behind the gaiety and smiles lies a secret longingfor something, or someone, to whisk her away.

Raised in scandal, Lord Michael de Grey is convinced that love is a losing gambleand seduction the only game worth playing. But when duty threatens to trump everything he desires, the only way out is marriage to a woman of his brother's choosing.

Elizabeth Chudderley is delightful, deliciousand distressingly attractive. With such a captivating opponent, Michael isn't quite sure who is winning the game. How can such passionate players negotiate a marriage of necessity when their hearts have needs of their own?

MEREDITH DURAN blames Anne Boleyn for sparking her lifelong obsession with British history. A doctoral student in the social sciences, she spends her free time collecting old etiquette manuals, guidebooks to nineteenth century London, and travelogues by intrepid Victorian women. She is the author of The Duke of Shadows, Bound by Your Touch, and Written on Your Skin, all published by Pocket Books. The Duke of Shadows was the winner of the Gather.com First Chapters Romance Writing Competition.