An Attempted Engagement

A swoony story of hidden messages, love letters, and stolen kisses

Only one thing stands between Alice Loughton and the man of her dreams: her brother.

Alice has been quiet and shy ever since she met Frederick Kempton at age three. When she decides it's time to marry, there's only one man for her. The one man who doesn't frighten her. The only man she can talk to without wanting to run and hide. Her brother's best friend, who happens to also work right there in their home.

But her brother knows Frederick Kempton too well, and he's not about to give his consent for a courtship, not when plenty of richer men are pursuing Alice. And so obedient Alice, who has never broken a rule in her life, is forced to take drastic measures.

And she's dragged Freddie along with her. Can he walk the fine line between loyalty to his oldest friend and a chance to woo the woman he's secretly loved?

This forbidden love, friends-to-lovers novel is a "sweet" or closed door historical romance, which means there are swoony kisses and plenty of yearning, but no spicy scenes. You might cry as well as laugh, but there's a happily ever after with no cheating. This book can be enjoyed as a stand alone or as part of the Victorian Grand Tour series.