Never steal a heart unless you can afford to lose your own.

Lively St. Lemeston, Book 2

Through sheer force of will, Ash Cohen raised himself and his younger brother from the London slums to become the best of confidence men. He's heartbroken to learn Rafe wants out of the life, but determined to grant his brother his wish.

It seems simple: find a lonely, wealthy woman. If he can get her to fall in love with Rafe, his brother will be set. There's just one problem—Ash can't take his eyes off her.

Heiress Lydia Reeve is immediately drawn to the kind, unassuming stranger who asks to tour her family's portrait gallery. And if she married, she could use the money from her dowry for her philanthropic schemes. The attraction seems mutual and oh so serendipitous—until she realizes Ash is determined to matchmake for his younger brother. 

When Lydia's passionate kiss puts Rafe's future at risk, Ash is forced to reveal a terrible family secret. Rafe disappears, and Lydia asks Ash to marry her instead. Leaving Ash to wonder—did he choose the perfect woman for his brother, or for himself?

"...as thought provoking as it is spicy; a wonderful sequel to Lerner's Sweet Disorder." —Library Journal

"...a moving, memorable romance." —Heroes and Heartbreakers

"I highly recommend this book and all of Rose Lerner's back list." —Smexy Books

"True Pretenses is a wonderful book, and one I'll definitely be re-reading in the not too distant future." —All About Romance

"Rose Lerner writes such rich, engaging characters. [...] Very smart and well done." —USA Today

"The romance was lovely [...] Lerner is on my list of authors to follow because of her characterization and spin on otherwise familiar historical settings." —The Book Pushers

Contains secrets and pies.