Twist legend into truth . . . not all uses of magic are prim and proper.

What is it with men? Let them get an idea in their head, and it turns into a piece of granite, not to be altered by man or Merlin.

Look at Alexander, Lord Shelton. In an ill-considered moment, he compromises innocent Katherine Scoville. Any other blue-blooded peer of the realm would do his duty and wed with a smile on his face, even if he has murder in his heart. Not Shelton. He decides Katherine is a detestable fortune hunter. No way is she eligible to be honored as the Countess of Shelton.

Oh, he marries her, but he doesn’t like it. Not one little bit.

Then Shelton realizes that Katherine suits him to a tee. Not as a wife, but as a mistress. It becomes his fantasy, so he goes about the intricate business of divorce in the Regency.

But there's always two sides to a Regency love story.

Katherine Scoville wants to enjoy a season, not marry the Earl of Shelton, but she resolves to be a congenial wife. Everything gets in her way. When his mother and her butler shove their noses into the marriage, magic begins to fly. Shelton's mother, countess and magician's apprentice, will not allow that dark-haired ninny to step into her shoes. Briggs, the butler and powerful magician, will kill two birds with one spell: settle Shelton and Katherine and teach Elvira a lesson.

Just wait until Katherine figures out what the stubborn Shelton is up to. You have to feel sorry for him, the way he is digging his own grave.

With magic flying, will Shelton offer his heart to his wife or his body to his mistress?