Venus in Disguise

About the book

A captivating diversion...

Viscount Cavendish and his Indian wife, Aashini, stirred up quite a scandal with their union in the past, leaving their son, Ashton Anson, to deal with being seen as not quite the quintessential English gentleman. Inherited from his mother are striking looks, a passion for fashion and vibrant colors, and a sharp wit along with a tongue that often lands him in trouble. Ash has honed his skills at navigating out of trouble over the years, often resorting to using his fists, establishing himself as the ton's most formidable and undefeated boxer. The notorious games organized by the exclusive gentleman's club, The Sons of Hades, are synonymous with Ash.

Introducing the diamond...

As the Duke of Beresford's enchanting and petite daughter, Narcissa Ponsonby, enters society, Ashton Anson observes from the sidelines as the men of the ton compete for the chance to win not just the delicate beauty but also her substantial dowry.

Weary of insipid young ladies with nothing but air between their ears, even if they possess the looks of Botticelli's Venus, Ash remains unimpressed by the dainty young miss. However, the doll-like Narcissa conceals much more beneath her sweet demeanor, and her cutting remarks unveil a woman far more intriguing to Ash than the superficial Venus everyone assumes her to be.

A daring bid for independence...

Despite the façade she presents, Narcissa's true self is complex. The daughter of the Duke of Beresford must toe the line at all times, yearning for her father's approval while finding it impossible to conform to his strict rules. While she may long for his grace's validation, her defiance drives her to act against his wishes. If he prohibits her from riding a particular horse, her rebellious side pushes her to do just that; if he forbids her from climbing trees and behaving like a tomboy, she will don her brother's trousers and ascend the tallest tree on the estate.

There's a defiance within her that she acknowledges, yet this time, Narcissa intends to comply with her father's directives. She plans to marry in a bid to please him, albeit choosing a fool with a title, someone she can easily control. No longer will she be coerced into activities she detests or subjected to a monotonous and confining existence.

She seeks freedom.

A clash of wills...

Ash recognizes trouble brewing when he sees it, understanding that vying for Narcissa's affections is a battle he is destined to lose. The Duke of Beresford harbors animosity towards him, explicitly forbidding his daughter from associating with Ash. However, beneath her delicate exterior, this Venus possesses a heart full of courage and a spirit ablaze with determination; should Ash manage to capture her heart, she might just stand by his side in a fight for their love.