Passions and Pretense

A desperate beauty will do anything to pursue her passion—even arrange a fake engagement with a most unsuitable suitor. But their dangerous dance of deception will reveal an attraction that's impossible to ignore...

After four disastrous engagements, Penelope Rastmoor wants nothing else but to travel to Egypt and dig for mummies. Unfortunately, her brother won't be happy until she's safely and suitably married. To escape his control, Penelope has the perfect plan: find herself such an improper fiance that her brother would do anything—even allow her a trip up the Nile—rather than let her wed. Enter the notoriously unscrupulous Lord Harris Chesterton...

Over a few stolen kisses and a lie or two, the bargain is struck. The two are officially engaged. But what Penelope doesn't know is that Lord Harry has his own reasons for agreeing to this scheme—besides the sensual temptation she poses. For Miss Rastmoor is wearing an ancient scarab he's come all the way from Egypt to steal. Now he must keep his eye on his mission, and allow himself a few liberties, without falling for his fake fiancee—or endangering her life...