A scarred earl with a big heart—and a big problem.



Since his return from war, the Earl of Stanford's life has been anything but simple. A meddling older brother, a raucous group of friends, a crumbling estate, and an injury that forever changed him. The most infamous landscape architect in England arriving on his doorstep to restore his ruined gardens and his ruined heart.



He's content to hide in the country, a lost soul.



A gorgeous hellion with wild dreams—and a challenge.



Necessity Byrne has heard the rumors about the Scarred Earl. A walking scandal, she's used to flouting convention and shocking society, so the offer to assist a reclusive peer with beautification of his estate is a project she'd consider. Except for the ripple of awareness that dances along her skin every time she recalls meeting the handsome, steely eyed rake years ago.



However, she's a woman determined to take every dare offered her.



So, they agree to disagree for the sake of the earldom's gardens, all the while battling a breathless, rampant attraction—until Ollie decides he wants to keep her. Can he persuade his feisty, adorable gardener to accept a besotted, broken-down earl with dreams of a family and love?