Once Upon a Storm — Kimberly Cates

A Devil's BargainCaptain Simon Harcourt returns to England with one purpose: to breed rare horses, keeping his vow to his dying friend. The last person he expects to aid him is the ruthless Earl of Ravenscroft, who enacts a devil's bargain. Ravenscroft promises to finance the stables if Simon razes the village that ruins the earl's view from the manor house-- the site of Simon's most horrific childhood memory. Only one person stands in Simon's way-the resolute bluestocking determined to resurrect the conscience Simon thought died on the battlefield with his men...Insatiably curiousSpirited Penelope Waverly has never fit into society's mold, to the despair of her mother. But someone has to keep a roof over her family's heads. Even so, she has no idea how fragile the foundation of her life is. A web of lies binds the Harcourts and Waverlys, buried long ago in everything Simon Harcourt has pledged to destroy.A storm unleashedAs two defiant spirits uncover the dangerous truth that could destroy them both, they face an impossible choice-keep their vows and betray the people of Everdene, or join forces in a gamble that could cost them everything... even the love that might heal their wounded hearts.