A generation before the Bridgertons, there were the Rokesbys . . .

Everyone expects Billie Bridgerton to marry one of the Rokesby brothers, and she’s not opposed: their families have been neighbours for centuries. There is only one Rokesby Billie absolutely cannot tolerate: George. He may be the eldest, and heir to the earldom, but he’s arrogant, annoying and she’s certain he detests her. Which is perfectly convenient, as she can’t stand the sight of him, either.

But when Billie and George are quite literally thrown together, a whole new sort of sparks begin to fly. And when these lifelong adversaries finally kiss, they just might discover that the one person they can’t abide is the one person they can’t live without . . .

Return to the world of the Bridgertons with this first book in a dazzlingly witty prequel series from Sunday Times bestselling author Julia Quinn, featuring the ancestors of the Bridgertons you know and love.

"Quinn writes delightfully fast-paced, funny, sparkling and bright romance" - Romantic Times

"The next best thing to Georgette Heyer" - Gloss

"A smart, funny touch. . . reminiscent of Helen Fielding" - Time Magazine

"Powered by a surfeit of dazzling wit and graced with a cast of unforgettable characters" - Booklist

"A smart, funny touch. . . reminiscent of Helen Fielding" - Time Magazine

"Quinn is incomparable! The latest addition to her beloved Bridgerton series is funny, charming, witty and wildly romantic" - RT Book Reviews

"Like an episode of Downtown Abbey mixed with a great rom-com" - iBooks Best Books of March

"Julia Quinn is one of the best historical romance novelists of our time" - Heroes and Heartbreakers

"Quinn excels in writing stories full of joy and delight, where laughter trembles on the edges" - Happy Ever After

"Quinn is a master of historical romance" - Entertainment Weekly

"Full of wit, charm and smouldering attraction . . . an unputdownable story that I think romance fans will treasure" - Harlequin Junkie

"This book was an utter delight . . . I just loved it" - Love in a time of Feminism

#1 New York Times bestselling author Julia Quinn loves to dispel the myth that smart women don't read (or write) romance, and in 2001 she did so in grand fashion, appearing on the game show The Weakest Link and walking away with the $79,000 jackpot. She displayed a decided lack of knowledge about baseball, country music, and plush toys, but she is proud to say that she aced all things British and literary, answered all of her history and geography questions correctly, and knew that there was a Da Vinci long before there was a code. Ms. Quinn is one of only sixteen members of Romance Writers of America's Hall of Fame, her books have been translated into 29 languages, and she currently lives with her family in the Pacific Northwest.