A chance meeting and instant connection between Amelia Becham and Gideon Edwards, the Duke of Birmingham, sets in motion a Season full of misunderstanding.

Amelia is immediately drawn to the strong and confident Duke of Birmingham but is sure nothing could come of their soul deep awareness. At the urging of her family, she agrees to participate in the London Season, where her hopes grow and she begins to believe the two of them were meant for each other, regardless of social expectations. But when she learns of the very different kind of relationship Gideon seeks, she must decide if her reputation is worth more to her than her happiness.

Gideon, a product of an unhappy home, believes in neither love nor marriage. Planning never to wed, he meets the sweet and alluring Amelia, his friend's longstanding mistress, and knows she is his. Amused and more than a little intrigued, he follows her to London to join in the Season, where he intends to secure her for himself. But he soon learns how deeply mistaken he's been and must decide between holding onto his past or choosing a different future.

Surrounded by shattered hopes and false assumptions, can Amelia and Gideon understand themselves and each other enough to build a relationship they both want?

Warning

The MMC of this story is dominant, flawed, and emotionally hurtful. If you're looking for a morally good hero, this isn't the man for you. He's damaged, afraid of love, and exhibits questionable behavior when confronted with it. The FMC is his sweet, sensible, gentle counterpart. She is not to be considered weak, though, because of her nature. In many ways, she is the core of strength in this story.

The Mistress is a standalone book in an interconnected series. Guaranteed HEA. You will see Amelia and Gideon again as side characters in future books.