Stealing a Scoundrel’s Heart by Rachel Ann Smith

A widowed wallflower. A scoundrel with a secret. A wickedly delightful love.

After her elderly husband’s death, Lady Marjorie Whalen has no intention of marrying again. Once deemed a wilting wallflower and then a shy spinster, Marjorie is done with the being cast aside. Ready to tackle her new life as a wicked widow, she sets out to find and convince a confirmed rake to escort her to the annual Wicked Widows’ ball. But approaching such a gentleman is not an easy feat for a woman who prefers to hide in the shadows.
Alister Knight, Viscount Dartman has a family secret that must be protected at all costs. Remaining distant and aloof is his only means of ensuring no one will ever discover the truth and gain the power to ruin him. He cannot change his past. He has no choice but to live as a scoundrel should—without a heart.
Bound by honor, Alister can no longer avoid the woman he’s admired from afar for years. And if Marjorie wants to keep her hard-won freedoms, she will have to make the most difficult decision of her life. They’ve guarded their secrets and their hearts—but perhaps not well enough. Ultimately, Marjorie and Alister must choose between the lives they want and the love they deserve.