Diamonds in the Rough

A plain spinster and a devilish rogue reunite in a steamy marriage of convenience in this Victorian erotic romance by an international bestselling author. When it comes to diamonds—and men—some women prefer them rough . . . Thanks to her grandfather's complicated will, Miss Adela Ruffington, along with her mother and sisters, is about to lose her home and income to a distant cousin, the closest male heir to the Millingford title. For Adela, nothing could be more insulting—being denied her rightful inheritance for a randy scoundrel like Wilson, the very man who broke her heart following a lusty dalliance years ago. Still smarting from the betrayal of his latest paramour, Wilson Ruffington never anticipates the intense desire Adela again stirs within him. Despite his wicked tongue and her haughty pride, their long-ago passion instantly reignites at a summer house party, the experience they've gained as adults only adding fuel to the flames. Wilson and Adela are insatiable, but civility outside of the bedroom proves impossible. Determined to keep Adela in his bed, Wilson devises a ruse—a marriage of convenience that will provide her family with a generous settlement, as well as prevent scandalous whispers. Their plan works perfectly until family rivalries and intrigue threaten to destroy their arrangement . . . and the unspoken love blooming beneath it. Praise for Diamonds in the Rough "Fans of historicals who enjoy more spice in love scenes will be drawn to this intellectual hero and fiercely independent heroine." — Publishers Weekly When it comes to diamonds--like their men--some women prefer them rough Thanks to her grandfather's complicated will, Miss Adela Ruffington, along with her mother and sisters, is about to lose her home and income to a distant cousin, the closest male heir to the Millingford title. For Adela, nothing could be more insulting--being denied her rightful inheritance for a randy scoundrel like Wilson, the very man who broke her heart following a lusty dalliance years ago. Still smarting from the betrayal of his latest paramour, Wilson Ruffington never anticipates the intense desire Adela again stirs within him. Despite his wicked tongue and her haughty pride, their long-ago passion instantly reignites at a summer house party, the experience they've gained as adults only adding fuel to the flames. Wilson and Adela are insatiable, but civility outside of the bedroom proves impossible. Determined to keep Adela in his bed, Wilson devises a ruse--a marriage of convenience that will provide her family with a generous settlement, as well as prevent scandalous whispers. Their plan works perfectly until family rivalries and intrigue threaten to destroy their arrangement...and the unspoken love blooming beneath it Thanks to her grandfather's complicated will, Miss Adela Ruffington, along with her mother and sisters, is about to lose her home and income to a distant cousin, the closest male heir to the Millingford title. For Adela, nothing could be more insulting, being denied her rightful inheritance for a randy scoundrel like Wilson, the very man who broke her heart following a lusty dalliance years ago. Still smarting from the betrayal of his latest paramour, Wilson Ruffington never anticipates the intense desire Adela again stirs within him. Despite his wicked tongue and her haughty pride, their long-ago passion instantly re-ignites at a summer house party, the experience they've gained as adults only adding fuel to the flames