She wanted an adventure. He only wanted her.

Loving him could be her greatest adventure.

For Lady Eleanor Fitzcharles, widowhood means freedom from a stifling marriage and endless hours to study art history. When her best friend—and London’s most notorious rake—offers to take her to Italy, she eagerly accepts, even if they have to pretend to be married to make the trip. Emboldened by their grand adventure, she asks her fake husband to teach her about real passion and unknowingly risks the one thing she can’t bear to lose—him.

For Henry Winchester, Eleanor is the one temptation he’s never dared indulge. Playing the scandalous rake is easier than confronting the demons that haunt him. But having Eleanor in his bed awakens the hope he’s tried to bury—that she could love him back.

Falling in love in sun-drenched villas and moonlit piazzas wasn’t the plan, and soon their fake marriage feels too real. But there are some things even best friends don’t know about each other. When the time comes to return to England, they must decide: heal together or let go for good.