When the Marquis of Rutledge is pressured by his mother to join the marriage mart, he decides he must do something quick to stop the parade of young debutantes his mother is forcing on him at social events. He suddenly thinks of a name, Miss Hinglebottom; a name sounding so ridiculous to him that no one would think it is made up. As soon as he is approached by matchmaking mamas with daughters in tow and announces his betrothed's name, Lady Witherspoon erupts with "Not Miss Bethany Hinglebottom?" Damien realizes he is in trouble. So off to the country he and his mother go to pick up his betrothed and bring her back to London. Bethany, not realizing a thing, is happily living her country life after her disasterous past London seasons. Clumsiness is and has been her biggest problem with one mishap after another happening to and around her, from ripped hems to downright trips and falls. When the handsome Damien shows up at her home, she is taken with the handsome Marquis and delighted that he has supposedly seen her in the past, remembered her, and wants her. Before she knows it she is in a coach to London to live with Damien's family. Damien sees that Bethany is a nice girl, feels guilty about the deception and tries to think of a way he can tell her the truth. When Damien finally admits the lie to his family, they decide they must provide her with a season and real fiance. Damien's sister Violet gets involved and assists Bethany with her wardrobe, as well as some tips on how to gain Damien's attention. When Damien sees Bethany's transformation and that other gentlemen are pursuing her, he realizes he desires her. Fooled previously by his lies and advances, Bethany tries to resist Damien. Eventually desire and passion build and she gives into his advances and is compromised. Damien feels he must marry her, but Bethany wants to marry for love. Damien continues his sensual pursuit and Bethany once again succumbs, but this time to love. When Damien's ex-mistress shows up, wanting him back, Bethany feels she has truly made a mistake. It is then up to Damien to convince Bethany that he truly loves his unexpected bride. The story is fun and sensual with twists and turns in the plot that make the reader laugh and cry. A truly delightful fairy tale romance about a clumsy duckling and libertine that turns the duckling into a beautiful swan and finds true love in the process.

Publisher: New Concepts (October 2006)