Runaway Rake (Reluctant Rakes #2)

When Christopher Stone, friendly rake and heir to the Earl of Crowhurst, is informed that he must marry, he panics and runs off into the countryside astride his beloved stallion Sunblaze. He tells himself he will make plans once he reaches a suitable place to stop, but a dangerous storm throws a wrench in his plans. When lightning strikes nearby, Sunblaze jolts and throws Christopher to the ground, running off. Christopher falls unconscious, having no idea what - or who - is waiting for him in the nearby town of Brede.

Sophia Honeyfield, a local herbalist, just wants to attend to the town's medical needs as best she can, especially in the wake of copious storm damage. To her annoyance, an injured aristocrat is dropped in her lap instead, and she cannot simply leave him to fend for himself. She takes on the task of nursing him back to health, telling herself that he will be out of her hair soon once his injuries have healed.

Christopher, however, has no intention on leaving Brede, not wanting to return to the aristocratic marriage mart nightmare that awaits him. As he heals, Sophia sees another side of him - someone who genuinely cares about the town, and perhaps even her. Can Christopher prove himself and gain Sophia's full trust? The idea of letting him in is terrifying, but Sophia starts to feel - and want - dangerous things.