Of all of her brother's rakish friends, Minerva Chase is most enamored of Fredrick. Tall, handsome, charming?and utterly blind when it comes to Minnie. Still, thanks to some spiked punch and a stolen moment, she harbors a bit of hope that she may gain his favor...until she learns of a wager between her brother and Fredrick that reveals the true measure of the man. He's exactly the rogue he seems!

Fredrick Stonebeck is never one to eschew a challenge, and a bet is just the thing to enliven the winter house party he's attending at the home of his friend, Humphrey Chase. Saving Chase's spinster sister from the embarrassment of too much punch, however, turns out to be even more invigorating. Once tempted, Fredrick's eyes are opened to what he's been missing?both in Minnie, and in his life. But he may be too late. Both Minnie and her brother have plans for her future?and neither option includes Fredrick.