Where There’s an Earl, There’s a Way

Coming February 2027

A spinster planted on English soil

Seven years ago, Amelia Cecil was left heartbroken by Peter, her childhood friend and heir presumptive of one of the wealthiest earldoms in England. Never again would she fall for false promises, instead she would take charge of her own destiny. As a governess, Amelia saved every coin she earned dreaming of her own Grand Tour. All was going to plan–until a scandal tarnishes Amelia’s reputation and threatens her sisters’ futures. Faced with rumors, Amelia decides her best path forward is to marry a man of influence, except she never anticipated him.

A man destined to leave

Peter Ashby, the newly minted Earl of Beckwith and last of his line, has only just arrived from the Continent. As an antiquarian, he longs to return to Italy, searching for the ruins of the past, rather than facing down his future in matrimony and fathering heirs. But the prospect becomes more enticing when the lady he’s prized most and never thought to have is in need of a husband.

A promise to seal their fates.

A deal is struck where Amelia will lie with Beckwith, only at night and under her rules, then once an heir is secured, each will go on to live separate lives. Beckwith will resume his fieldwork abroad, while Amelia is granted her long sought independence. It’s a business arrangement, nothing more with neither choosing to risk their guarded hearts. But when passion, rekindled feelings, and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Beckwith’s career get in the way, will they find the strength to mend their broken trust or will it be lost to ambitions abroad?

Note: Celine Oliver’s books do feature open-door intimacy. Spice-level is similar to what you would find in a Tessa Dare novel.