Years ago, Lady Gillian saw Brian Ranson across the ballroom and fell in love. After he marries her and confesses his undying love for his mistress, Gillian doesn't give up hope. When he marches off to war, Gillian holds to her unrealistic dream that he will return and confess his love for her. Instead, her heart turns away and Gillian looks elsewhere for love. She prepares to commit herself to another, when her husband returns and demands Gillian honor their vows. With few options open to her, Gillian cedes to his demand, but she is determined it will be on her terms.

War has changed Brian Ranson, Earl of Wright, from an idealistic young man into an adult with a much clearer and cynical view of the world. His beloved mistress betrays him and his father hounds him into following the career path he has chosen. When Brian realizes Gillian has abandoned him, he rushes to reclaim his wife. Brian needs her help in attempting to capture a position in the War Office along with another dire and pressing problem. He expects Gillian to be the same immature girl he left behind and is surprised when he encounters a very different woman.

Gillian hardens her heart and agrees to stay by Brian's side for 30 days to accomplish his goals. She does not expect to be caught in the emotional whirlwind of old feelings returning with a passion. Neither trusts the other and until they do, their marriage will not survive.

Ms. Maxwell is a terrific storyteller. She sweeps readers into her characters lives following their happiness and emotional upheavals. In her newest tale, Ms. Maxwell takes readers on Brian and Gillian's journey as they explore their expectations in their marriage and how trust can be regained.

Book Summary

She'll be his perfect wife . . .

Preoccupied with fighting Napoleon and making love to his mistress, Brian Ranson has ignored his wife since their wedding. But now that he's become the Earl of Wright, he's ready to fetch his bride back to London. He's shocked to find she's become a bold, beautiful woman, exactly the kind he lusts after . . . and she wants nothing to do with him.

Gillian, Lady Wright, is desperate to seize the love she's been denied . . . but not with her rakish husband! So she makes a bargain—for thirty days she'll be the perfect wife, then he'll set her free. But no matter how she hardens her heart against her damnable earl, her body begs her to surrender . . .