Elizabeth Harmon Boeken

Step outside the ballrooms of Mayfair and into a Dickensian adventure through Victorian England.London, 1873 She wants to shape her own destiny Lady Constance Barrett rejects society's expectations of marriage and conformity. She wants to change the world for the better and has set her sights on attending England's most prestigious women's college. Unfortunately, her parents have betrothed her to a wealthy but cruel man twice her age. She flees to the East End of London, where she'll pawn jewelry to secure her freedom. It's a brilliant plan, until a cut-purse gang steals her treasure. He's the gang's leader Streetwise and handsome, Alexander Blackwood is at the top of his game, as a thief and a ladies' man. But while the East End's top crime boss relies on Alex to lead his crew of street thieves, Alex is drawn to the promise of America, where he'll be free from a life of crime. When Lady Constance arrives at his boss's brothel demanding return of her jewels, Alex is smitten -- and driven to protect her, even if it means defying his sadistic boss. A forbidden love they can't deny Society will never accept their cross-class romance. Their only hope is a future in America. But first, they must outwit the ruthless crime boss, in a daring escape which could cost them their lives. ♥ Class differences ♥ Slow burn ♥ Fish out of water ♥ Sweeping saga ♥ Happily ever after