Contretempts at Cartwell Manor - Kourier and Ives, #1

Things are not always what they seem—in life, love, and murder.

Ennui has taken over Major Felix Kourier's life. Retired from military service as well as Bow Street, which left him with an injury to his leg that required a prosthetic, he is missing the excitement and thrills he used to know. When his sister badgers him into attending a summer house party with her, he hopes it's exactly what he needs to stave off boredom with the caveat that he won't be matched; he doesn't need a woman complicating his life.

The Honorable Caroline Ives isn't excited that her parents are throwing a house party to celebrate the Come Out of her youngest sister into society. Because she was never a popular choice within the beau monde, Caro has taken on pursuits that fuel her soul and feed her odd brand of quirkiness—namely poking her nose into places she doesn't belong. As that sunny disposition and snooping brings her face-to-face with a grouchy major while he's bathing, can she help if she gawks at his handsome form?

When May Day festivities at Cartwell Manor are interrupted by a suspicious death, the party is thrown into confusion. Felix takes up the investigation, and unfortunately the curious but pretty woman who'd spied on him is the best candidate to assist. Sparks, tempers, and insults fly from the outset, but when danger threatens, who is he to deny passion to break the tension? And if they can manage to elude the killer before they are silenced, they might just have a chance to pursue something neither of them thought they wanted.