Alluring Adversary

the long version

Sweet Patience Wealthy and handsome, Reese Ashburn was the most eligible bachelor in Mobile, Alabama. And although every young debutante dreamed of becoming the lady of Bonne Chance—Reese's elegant bayside plantation—none believed that its master would ever finish sowing his wild oats. Then one night Reese's carousing ended in tragedy and shame: His gambling partner, James Bentley, was brutally murdered while Reese was too drunk to save him. Entrusted with the care of James' daughter, Reese knew that he was hardly the model guardian. And fiery Patience Bentley's stubborn pride and irresistible beauty were sure to make her a difficult ward. Still, driven by guilt, Reese was bound and determined to honor Bentley's dying wish—as well as exact revenge on his best friend's killers. But could he resist Patience's enticing advances long enough to win back his pride and his reputation?