Set in the Regency era, the novel follows the story of Sloane Knox, the Duke of Hawksthorn, and his quest to secure a suitable match for his younger sister, Due, before the beginning of the social season. With his own past as one of the infamous Rakes of St James, Hawk is determined to avoid the pitfalls of society and find a love match for his sister. However, his plans are thwarted by the arrival of Miss Loretta Quick, the intended groom's own sister, who is equally determined to ensure that her brother marries for love rather than convenience. As the two protagonists engage in a series of witty and charming exchanges, they begin to realize that their initial impressions of each other may have been misguided.

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