When a clever country miss, a reluctant politician, and a meddling earl fake a romance to win votes and save reputations, sparks fly-and hearts may just catch fire. Elizabeth Bennet never meant to cause an international incident. But when her sharp tongue and innocent curiosity lead to a spectacular misunderstanding with a foreign dignitary, she finds herself at the mercy of the formidable Earl of Matlock. To clear her name-and save her family from ruin-Elizabeth must agree to a preposterous scheme: a fake engagement to his brooding nephew, Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy. Darcy has no interest in standing for Parliament-or marrying, for that matter. But with political tensions rising and his uncle pressuring him to secure his seat in the House of Commons, Darcy reluctantly agrees to the charade. Elizabeth's wit and charm make her an ideal partner to win over voters. There's just one problem: her ability to set his world spinning with a single mischievous smile. As Elizabeth and Darcy navigate society balls, political rallies, and the chaos of campaign life, their carefully staged affection starts to feel dangerously real. Can they keep their hearts out of the equation, or will this fake engagement turn into the most unexpected love match of all? Raising the Stakes is a sparkling Regency rom-com full of sharp banter, tender moments, and a romance worth voting for.
