Set in New York Citys Gilded Age, Joanna Shupes Avon debut introduces an English beauty with a wicked scheme to win the man she loves--and the American scoundrel who ruins her best laid plans...Lady Honora Parker must get engaged as soon as possible, and only a particular type of man will do. Nora seeks a mate so abhorrent, so completely unacceptable, that her father will reject the match--leaving her free to marry the artist she loves. Who then is the most appalling man in Manhattan? The wealthy, devilishly handsome financier, Julius Hatcher, of course....Julius is intrigued by Noras ruse and decides to play along. But to Noras horror, Julius transforms himself into the perfect fiance, charming the very people she hoped he would offend. It seems Julius has a secret plan all his own--one that will solve a dark mystery from his past, and perhaps turn him into the kind of man Nora could truly love.