Southern Scoundrel — Brenda Williamson

Civil War traumatized, Ian Caldwell is instantly captivated by the spirited Southern Belle, Lucy Jarreau. Their fiery attraction leads them on a path they never anticipated for themselves. A desperate gamble for survival leads to a scandalous bargain, her body for his financial aid. Can their consuming attraction survive the weight of their secrets and the shadows of the past?Lucy, fiercely independent, finds herself drawn to the enigmatic Ian despite her resistance. Their encounter is a tempestuous blend of desire and fear. Haunted by societal expectations and a desperate need to protect her family's legacy, she agrees to his shocking proposal. As they navigate personal obsessions, their bond deepens, and lines between stubborn independence and love blur.When the time comes to repay her debt, the stakes are raised. To save her beloved plantation from falling into the wrong hands, Lucy must make the ultimate sacrifice and marry to the man who has consumed her heart. But can their love withstand Ian’s betrayal?