Beatrice Albright is beginning to realize that despite her beauty, her shrewish ways have consequences. As she enters her seventh unsuccessful season, her younger sister is taken under the wing of her elder sisters and the invitations have dried up. Terrified she’ll be forced into spinsterhood and the company of her mother, Beatrice vows to find a groom by season’s end. Even if he is suspected of murder.

Dogged by rumors he killed his first wife, The Marquis of Highcroft, Gareth Berenger is no stranger to the ton's disdain. When Beatrice demands they wed since no one else will have them, he is intrigued but hesitant. Gareth harbors intense sexual desires and he’s seen the consequences if his partner cannot accept his tastes. He proposes a trial affair: If Beatrice can handle his needs, they will marry. Even as Beatrice is drawn in by Gareth’s shocking seduction, she’s afraid to surrender fully. But darker forces sworn to keep them apart will stop at nothing to take Beatrice from Gareth.