She had no opinion of marriage or of men, but is her cold heart proof against true love? The last thing Clara Mantell wishes for is a husband. The daughter of a rake, she has learned to despise men and marriage, and considers love with contempt. Instead, she seeks out men like her father, wielding her considerable charm as a weapon to take them down a peg or two. Lawrence Simpford has been in love with Clara for years but, not being a rake, is unable to gain her attention. He tries to content himself with being her best friend, in the hopes that eventually he may break down her walls and win her heart. But when Clara recklessly takes on two of the most dangerous rakes in Bath, Lawrie's devotion is tested to the limit, and neither is prepared for the consequences.