CHERYL HOLT delivers another sassy, sexy romp in the second book of her "Reluctant Brides" trilogy...

Amelia Hubbard has always lived at Miss Peabody's School for Girls, first as a student, then as a teacher. She enjoyed her position and the independence it brought. But Miss Peabody has died, the school is closing, and Amelia has no money and nowhere to go. When Fate intervenes and hands her a dowry and a handsome husband already purchased with the money, Amelia is nervous but resigned. She reluctantly agrees to wed a man she's never met.

Lucas Drake has never been anything but a wastrel and scapegrace. As the second son of an earl, and with an older brother who's perfect in every way, stellar behavior seems impossible. He's always been happy to live down to his stern father's low expectations. But when Amelia arrives and Lucas discovers that his father has engaged him to her, his bachelor tendencies surge to the fore. He's vehemently certain that no wedding will ever occur.

When Amelia agreed to the match, she never imagined that Lucas might not want to get married. Her prior situation has ended, and without marriage, the future is bleak. What's a spinster to do?

Wanton seduction seems the only path, but first, she'll need a few lessons in how to use her feminine wiles. Once she figures out what Lucas really needs, the poor man doesn't stand a chance.

RELUCTANT BRIDES... When love is the key and dowry the bait, who can predict what a woman might do?