Scandal's Bride by Stephanie Laurens

 Scandal's Bride by Stephanie Laurens - 404 pages

"He will father your children..."

When Catriona Hennessy, honorable Scottish Lady of the Vale, received this prediction, she was exceedingly aghast. How could she unite with a rake like Richard Cynster--a masterful man with a scandalous reputation? More shocking still was her guardian's will that decreed she and Richard be wed within a week! Though charmed by his commanding presence, and wooed by his heated kisses, she would not--could not--give up her independence.

So she formed a plan to get the heir she needed without taking wedding vows.Richard was just as stunned by the will's command. Marriage had not previously been on his agenda, but lately he'd been feeling rather...restless. Perhaps taming the lady was just the challenge he needed. But can he have the rights of the marriage bed without making any revealing promises of love?

"Scandal's Bride" by Stephanie Laurens

"Scandal's Bride" by Stephanie Laurens - 404 pages

Catriona is aghast to learn that her guardian's will decrees that she must marry Richard Cynster, within the week.  How could the proud Scottish lass possibly consent to union with the English rake they call "Scandal," a masterful man with a deplorable reputation?  It is true his commanding presence charms her, his heated kisses excite her and the mysterious Lady of the Vale whom she serves has prophesied that they will wed.  But Catriona will never give up her independence.  Richard is equally stunned by the will's command, since marriage was not on his agenda.  But lately he's been feeling strangely restless, and perhaps taming the exquisite lady is just the challenge he needs.  He burns for Catriona, but can he entice her into the marriage bed without making any binding and revealing promises of love?