“He is the core of all my hate—and all my love.”

Welcome to book 1 in the the exciting new series from USA Today Bestselling author Mary Lancaster.

Two years ago, the charismatic young Earl of Wenning abandoned his bride on their wedding night, leaving her to face the humiliation and inevitable suspicion of guilt alone, while he pursued his diplomatic ambitions abroad.

But the resilient Grace refused to crumble. Setting aside her bewildered grief, she has become a fashionable socialite living on the edge of scandal, surrounded by male admirers. Now, she awaits her husband’s return with a little revenge in mind.

However, a foolish wager has caused her to lose his wedding gift during a masquerade ball at the infamous Maida Pleasure Gardens, and she is worried it could be used against her. And, by the time Wenning comes home, she has befriended a mysterious stranger she met at Maida whom she believes might just serve as her means of revenge.

The earl and the countess circle each other in a wary, dangerous dance where either might win—or ruin what’s left of their marriage. Meanwhile, a more deadly enemy stalks them.

Can the couple rise above the past and unite before death parts them forever?