Recluse heiress Phoebe Malleson successfully keeps suitors away with her aloof behavior and her apparent devotion to her elderly aunt. It has proved an excellent way to camouflage her endeavors on the behalf of abused servants whom she rescues. Phoebe has no plans to marry and instead wishes to devote herself to her cause. When Viscount Paignton expresses an interest in her, Phoebe attempts to deflect his attention to others. He is not distracted and pursues her relentlessly.

Deverell, Viscount Paignton, returns from 10 years as a secretive operative in France. Tired of foolish and empty- headed debutantes, Deverell seeks a woman able to match him in temperament and intelligence. Introduced to Phoebe by his aunt, Deverell believes he's found the woman he wants. As she tries to circumvent his strategy, Deverell becomes more intrigued. He's unusually adept at reading people, but Phoebe is proving a challenge and he's never been able to resist a challenge.

Deverell uses their mutual attraction and her innocence to draw her into an affair. He admires her pragmatism and utilizes it to form a partnership with her. His plan unfolds as expected until a ruthless man decides to end her rescue mission with deadly force.

Ms. Laurens celebrates her 20th novel with a story guaranteed to please as she ties the Bastion series with the Cynster books. TO DISTRACTION dazzles with the red-hot chemistry between Phoebe and Deverell heating up the pages. Team that attraction with a surprise villain and ending, and readers will have a difficult wait for the next in the series.

Book Summary

The gentlemen of the Bastion Club have proved their courage while fighting England's enemies, but nothing has prepared them for dealing with that most formidable of challenges: the opposite sex.

Deverell, Viscount Paignton, is in desperate need of a wife. Unmoved by the matchmaking 'herd', he seeks help from his aunt, who directs him to a lady she vows is perfect for him. Dispatched to a country house party to look the lady over, he discovers her not swanning about among the guests but with her nose buried in a book in the library.

Phoebe Malleson is tempted to distraction by Deverell, but marrying him isn't part of her plan. Moved by an incident in her past, Phoebe has a secret cause to which she's committed. Unfortunately, telling Deverell to go away doesn't work, and he quickly learns of her secret. But someone powerful has her cause targeted for destruction - and her in their sights. Phoebe must accept Deverell's help... though the cost to them both might be dear - and deadly.