In a twist of fate, Lady Tremaine, the formidable and often villainous stepmother from the classic tale of Cinderella, finds herself unexpectedly drawn to one of her servants. Despite her reputation for cruelty and manipulation, Lady Tremaine's heart begins to soften as she gets to know the kind and compassionate individual who serves her household.
At first, Lady Tremaine resists the stirrings of affection, dismissing them as foolishness and a betrayal of her carefully cultivated facade of power and control. However, as she spends more time in the presence of the servant, she begins to see them in a new light, recognizing their intelligence, integrity, and inner strength.
As their interactions deepen, Lady Tremaine finds herself opening up in ways she never thought possible, sharing her hopes, fears, and vulnerabilities with the servant. In turn, the servant offers unwavering support and understanding, helping Lady Tremaine to confront the demons of her past and embrace the possibility of love and redemption.
After a disastrous first season in London, Rose Wilde finds herself torn between two men who love her -- but who both hide secrets that could ruin her.
*****
Rose Wilde has always considered herself plain, especially when compared to her beautiful older sister Charlotte, and has practically given up on the idea of being romanced. But when American hotelier Derek Montgomery comes to revolutionise her little, sleepy English village of Ascot, Rose starts to revisit the idea of falling in love. However, Derek brings with him many secrets and obligations, some that might prohibit him from pursuing Rose -- and push her into the arms of her friend, Michael Cornell, the Marquess of Juniper. Will fate allow Rose and Derek to marry for love? Or will she indeed become the reluctant marchioness?
[[Word count: 70,000 - 80,000 words]]
Cover designed by Ashley Bandy
(The Reluctant Marchioness is the sequel to The Coveted Countess, but can also be read as a standalone)