Eliza Dauntry was infamous.

Most people assumed she was a wanton because she supported herself and her son by painting portraits of courtesans. Yet Eliza hadn''t been tempted by a man since her husband''s death. . . until she met Patrick Felham. An old friend of her husband and a one-time rake, Patrick awakened a yearning in Eliza that demanded to be satisfied at once. . . .

Patrick was looking for an upright woman to become his wife and stepmother to his daughter, not a siren like Eliza Dauntry!

But Eliza had aroused his desire ever since he saved her scandalous self-portrait from the auction house. The chance of an affair with the alluring widow was irresistible, but this notorious woman could also turn out to be his perfect bride. . .