"If you still want me when I return, then we'll decide what happens. But to be clear, Lydia, I will never ask you to be my mistress. That is not something I will consider. Ever. I would never disgrace you by asking or dishonor you by making such an arrangement."

Lydia Abbington vows revenge for her best friend's death, but time is a cruel mistress. Certain her best friend isn't at peace yet, Lydia struggles with the secrets she's been sworn to keep once that chance for revenge passes. Matters are only complicated when her friend's brother returns after years at sea as a privateer. While she's attracted to the man who left when she was little more than a girl, she's uncertain she can trust him with the truth of his sister's death.

Keith MacNeil escaped his abusive father as soon as he was old enough to set sail. Unbeknownst to him, his sister bore the brunt of their father's wrath. With his privateering days over, Keith is ready to retire the Blond Marauder moniker for a quiet life as the Duke of Dorset. However, those plans change when an elusive young woman keeps slipping into his library. He knows Lydia harbors secrets about his sister, but Keith must build her trust before she's ready to share the pain she shoulders.

Drawn away from home by the ever present and ominous East India Company, Keith must work with Lydia's family to protect the smuggling ring that runs along England's southern coast. When he returns to discover an unwanted suitor threatens to steal Lydia from Keith, he'll stop at nothing to end his rival's claim. Once he sets his sights on making Lydia his, Keith swears to protect her at any cost. The Blond Marauder never surrendered at sea, and he won't surrender on land once Lydia places her trust in him.

Immerse yourself in this STEAMY Regency novella love story set along England's southern coast and discover a diverse cast of characters.