A Midsummer Night's Kiss — Cleo Chadwick

Lia Maudsley was considered too independent by half, for she had failed in her duty to capture a rich gentleman and put her impoverished family to rights. But Lia had grown accustomed to tending her numerous siblings as well as an eccentric mother. In the seaside resort of Brighton, where the family settled for the summer season, she had little more time for promenades by the sea and Midsummer's Eve festivities -- let alone the unsettling attentions of Lord Dayne. After all, she was too sensible to believe his motives were of a romantic nature, though not sensible enough to keep her heart from racing at his nearness.

It was hardly Lord Breverton Dayne's style to fritter away his days by the ocean. He had come to Brighton to investigate the Maudsley family whose father was suspected of traitorous activities. But the Maudsley brood possessed enough ramshackle charm to hoodwink the most hardened of agents, particularly the deliciously pretty eldest girl, Lia. Frank and forthright, completely unaware of her own desirability, she was either a complete innocent or a damned cunning actress. Either way, Dayne would use her to his advantage, no matter what his heart dictated.

Hero: Lord Breverton Dayne
Heroine: Lia Maudsley