Tease Me Not

She could have any man she wanted-except the one who sees through her. Kitty Alcott thrives in the glittering world of balls, flirtation, and late-night waltzes. With a mischievous smile and a sharp wit, she's the darling of London society-beloved by the men who chase her and envied by the women who can't compete. Known for her charm, beauty, and flirtatious nature, she's received more proposals than she can count-and turned down every single one. To Kitty, love is a game, and she plays it well. That is, until she meets Captain William Aubrey. Young, handsome, and recently returned from sea, Captain Aubrey is everything society adores-but he wants nothing to do with games. When Kitty turns her teasing gaze on him, she's stunned to find that it doesn't work. No flustered stammering, no lingering glances. Just cool indifference. Insulted. Intrigued. Challenged. For the first time, Kitty is thrown off balance. Who is this man who dares to ignore her? And why does she find herself thinking about him long after the music stops? As their paths cross in ballrooms, drawing rooms, and secret encounters, Kitty is forced to look beyond her own reflection and question everything she's come to believe about love, power, and the role she plays in society. Can she let go of the mask she's worn for so long... and risk showing the real woman beneath? And will a man who has seen the horrors of war ever dare to fall for a woman who was once only a beautiful distraction? This is a story of pride, passion, and the quiet transformation that only love can spark. Perfect for readers who crave complex heroines, emotionally guarded heroes, and romances that dare to peel back the layers of the heart.