“Matchless storyteller”( Romantic Times ) Mary Balogh weaves a tantalizing web of wit and seduction in her new novel—an irresistible tale of two unlikely lovers and one unforgettable summer. Kit Butler is cool, dangerous, one of London’s mostinfamous bachelors—marriage is the last thing on his mind. But Kit’s family has other plans. Desperate to thwart his father’s matchmaking, Kit needs a bride...fast. Enter Miss Lauren Edgeworth. A year after being abandoned at the altar, Lauren has determined that marriage is not for her. When these two fiercely independent souls meet, sparks fly—and a deal is hatched. Lauren will masquerade as Kit’s intended if he agrees to provide a passionate, adventurous, unforgettable summer. When summer ends, she will break off the engagement, rendering herself unmarriageable and leaving them both free. Everything is going perfectly—until Kit does the unthinkable: He begins to fall in love. A summer to remember is not enough for him. But how can he convince Lauren to be his...for better, for worse, for the rest of their lives? Praise for Mary Balogh’s Award-winning Novels “Deep emotions, strong characters and an unusual plot blend to perfection into another winner for this Jewel of the Highest Water, Mary Balogh.” -- Romantic Times “A lively and thrilling tale.” -- Rendezvous “Heartwarming...fun...charismatic characters and swift pacing will keep romance enthusiasts riveted to the page.” -- Publishers Weekly “A stunningly good work of romantic fiction.Mary Balogh reaches deep and touches the heart.” --Joan Johnston, New York Times bestselling author of The Texan “This romantic story is hilarious in spots with characters who are well-rounded and lovable. More than a Mistress is a sure-fire winner from one of the genre’s finest authors.” -- Rendezvous “Assured hardcover debut...Smart, sexy dialogue.” -- Publishers Weekly “A luscious Regency-era delight...Balogh will delight fans and new readers alike with her memorable characters and fast-paced, well-constructed plot.” -- Booklist “Mary Balogh continues to reaffirm her place as an extraordinary star of the Regency genre. Her intelligent characters, who manage to cleverly find their way out of danger, gain our respect. Then she adds intrigue, romance and a fast pace to give us a book we won’t we able to put down.” -- Romantic Times Matchless storyteller ( Romantic Times ) Mary Balogh weaves a tantalizing web of wit and seduction in her new novel--an irresistible tale of two unlikely lovers and one unforgettable summer. Kit Butler is cool, dangerous, one of London s mostinfamous bachelors--marriage is the last thing on his mind. But Kit s family has other plans. Desperate to thwart his father s matchmaking, Kit needs a bride...fast. Enter Miss Lauren Edgeworth. A year after being abandoned at the altar, Lauren has determined that marriage is not for her. When these two fiercely independent souls meet, sparks fly--and a deal is hatched. Lauren will masquerade as Kit s intended if he agrees to provide a passionate, adventurous, unforgettable summer. When summer ends, she will break off the engagement, rendering herself unmarriageable and leaving them both free. Everything is going perfectly---until Kit does the unthinkable: He begins to fall in love. A summer to remember is not enough for him. But how can he convince Lauren to be his...for better, for worse, for the rest of their lives? "Matchless storyteller"("Romantic Times) Mary Balogh weaves a tantalizing web of wit and seduction in her new novel--an irresistible tale of two unlikely lovers and one unforgettable summer. Kit Butler is cool, dangerous, one of London's mostinfamous bachelors--marriage is the last thing on his mind. But Kit's family has other plans. Desperate to thwart his father's matchmaking, Kit needs a bride...fast. Enter Miss Lauren Edgeworth. A year after being abandoned at the altar, Lauren has determined that marriage is not for her. When these two fiercely independent souls meet, sparks fly--and a deal is hatched. Lauren will masquerade as Kit's intended if he agrees to provide a passionate, adventurous, unforgettable summer. When summer ends, she will break off the engagement, rendering herself unmarriageable and leaving them both free. Everything is going perfectly---until Kit does the unthinkable: He begins to fall in love. A summer to remember is not enough for him. But how can he convince Lauren to be his...for better, for worse, for the rest of their lives? New York Times bestselling, multi-award-winning author Mary Balogh grew up in Wales, land of sea and mountains, song and legend. She brought music and a vivid imagination with her when she came to Canada to teach. There she began a second career as a writer of books that always end happily and always celebrate the power of love. There are over four million copies of her Regency romances and historical romances in print. Chapter One London's Hyde Park was decked out in al