Distressed over the current widespread disinterest inmatrimony among their eminently marriageable offspring, the formidable matriarchs of the ton have taken matters into their own meddling hands with the formation of The Ladies' Society for the Betterment of the Future of Britain. Their first challenge: the Earl of Pennington.

Miss Gwendolyn Townsend has seen her late father's estate go to a distant cousin she can't abide ... leaving her well-educated, able to make a perfect curtsy — and penniless. So imagine her shock when it's discovered that a match had been arranged between herself and Marcus Holcroft, the Earl of Pennington — one of the most eligible members of London society. Marcus constantly leaves her breathless and confused ... and though she's hesitant to marry a man she's just met, in the end she has no choice. But she makes some conditions first ...

Marcus cannot believe that the bride who has been foisted upon him is insisting on rules to their wedding ... and bedding! He's a man who has never had to tempt any woman into his arms. But even more surprising is that Gwendolyn is clearly hiding something — and it shocks him to think that their exquisite kisses — followed by his lessons in passionate lovemaking — wouldn'tbe enough to make his wife tell him her every secret. After all, he's promised to be a proper husband — isn’t it fair to also expect a proper wife?

When Victoria Alexander discovered fiction was much more fun than real life, she turned from a career as an award-winning television news reporter to writing fiction.

To date, she's written thirteen novels or novellas ranging from time travel and reincarnation to historical adventure to contemporary romantic comedy. She hasn't given up the nonfiction world completely and also teaches broadcast journalism at Creighton University.

Victoria grew up as an Air Force brat and is now settled in a turn-of-the-century house in Omaha, Nebraska, with her husband, two children, and a goofy bearded collie named Sam.

She firmly believes housework is a four-letter word, there are no calories in anything eaten standing up, and procrastination is an art form, and lives by the motto: It's never too early to panic.

And she loves getting mail that isn't a bill. Write to her at: P.O. Box 31544, Omaha, Nebraska 68131.