Duelist for the Ton

<p><strong><em>A string to her bow-or a shot to her heart?</em></strong></p><p></p><p><strong><em>The masked duelist...</em></strong></p><p>For Lady Portia Hawke a Society marriage would be worse than a prison. A talented markswoman she offers her services anonymously as a duelist. For a fee she can fell opponents with little more than a scratch preserving both their dignity and their lives. She has no desire to fall in love until she meets a colonel fresh from Waterloo whose tormented expression touches her soul.</p><p></p><p><strong><em>The soldier haunted by war...</em></strong></p><p>Colonel Stephen Reid returned from Waterloo uninjured-at least on the surface. In his mind he relives the battle and blames himself for surviving when others did not. Fearful of being declared insane he conceals his suffering. But one woman sees beyond the façade of the war hero to the tortured soul within. Rather than condemnation Lady Portia Hawke gives him comfort understanding-and her heart.</p><p></p><p>Tormented by the memory of gunshots Stephen abhors the notion of shooting for sport and he makes clear his hatred of the mysterious masked duelist who's the talk of White's-an anonymous scoundrel who earns a living from the misery of others.</p><p></p><p>Until Stephen himself finds himself forced into a duel.</p><p></p><p><strong><em>Confronted by the one opponent she fears above all Portia must make the ultimate choice: reveal her identity...or fight to the fateful end.</em></strong></p><p></p><p><strong>Tropes you'll love:</strong></p><ul><li><span style=color: rgba(15 17 17 1)>Hidden identity / secret life heroine</span></li><li><span style=color: rgba(15 17 17 1)>Lady with unconventional skills</span></li><li><span style=color: rgba(15 17 17 1)>Wounded soldier / hero haunted by war</span></li><li><span style=color: rgba(15 17 17 1)>Redemption through love</span></li><li><span style=color: rgba(15 17 17 1)>Forbidden love / love across social rules</span></li><li><span style=color: rgba(15 17 17 1)>Strong independent heroine</span></li><li><span style=color: rgba(15 17 17 1)>Grumpy tormented hero</span></li></ul>