Only Rakes Need Apply

What's a woman to do when her husband has departed but her desires very much remain? The only thing Lady Carenza Smythe-Harding misses about her late spouse, a notorious gambler and adulterer, is his expertise between the sheets. After two years donning mourning dresses, it's her turn for some fun. But with no intention of remarrying, how can she find the right devil-may-care rogue for the job? Titled lady seeks experienced, unmarried rake for afternoon dalliance. The anonymous newspaper advertisement leaves little to the imagination, and has the gentlemen of the ton wagering who is the temptress taking applications to fill a most enticing position. Thanks to an inheritance, confirmed bachelor Julian Laurent is free to indulge his passions—including the occasional seduction of married ladies. Still, he is appalled to discover his longtime friend, Carenza, is behind the public proposition. Surely Julian can prevent a scandal by pleasuring the lady to her heart's content. After all, it's the gentlemanly thing to do. But as their escapades tumble into a dangerously addictive game, might their friends-with-benefits arrangement take them from bedding to wedding? Contains mature themes.