Formerly titled The Wallflower's Wicked Wager
A scarred soldier and an heiress mocked for her appearance-Each convinced no one could ever truly love them.Captain Morgan Le Draco has learned the hard way that love is nothing but a fool's fantasy. Scarred by an explosion and stripped of his commission, he's built walls around his heart-until he dives into a river's icy waters to save a drowning woman. Shona Atterberry is like no one he's ever known: quiet but quick-witted, gentle yet fiercely loyal. But she's a nobleman's daughter, and he's a damaged soldier with no fortune or title to offer. No matter how deep his feelings run, Morgan knows he will never be the man she deserves.
Shona has spent a lifetime believing herself unworthy of a man's devotion. Labeled plain and undesirable, she's long accepted her place as a wallflower. Yet Morgan's raw strength and unwavering honor awaken something in her she thought forever lost. His scars don't frighten her; his self-doubt only makes her want to stand by his side. But when a reckless wager drives a wedge between them, she fears she's lost her only chance at the one thing she's always craved-a love that sees beyond the surface.
In a world where whispers can ruin a reputation and vulnerability feels like a luxury neither can afford, Shona and Morgan must confront the fears that hold them captive. If they can learn to trust in the power of their hearts, they may discover that love is the only risk worth taking.