<h4>She's hiding in plain sight. He's disappointed his parents. Will their love grow into a tangled scandal or a beautiful blossom?</h4><p><br></p><p>Somerset, England, 1808. Alice Hapgood is obsessed with studying flora and fauna. With upper-class standards taking a dim view of a lady dirtying her hands, the science-minded woman wears boys' clothing to pursue her passion. And when an assistant position for a handsome member of the Royal Society crops up, she impulsively dons her disguise and risks ruin.</p><p><br></p><p>Joseph Tierney has no desire to join the clergy. Going against his family's wishes to become a researcher of the natural world, he takes on a bright young man to help with his latest assignment. And while the brilliant scientist is frustrated that the locals only see him as a candidate for marriage, he grows closer and closer with his enthusiastic aide.</p><p><br></p><p>As the work under her charming mentor unexpectedly sparks her feminine side, Alice longs to open up to him as her true self. But Joseph suddenly finds himself caught in a jealous triangle not of his making that threatens his career, standing, and freedom.</p><p><br></p><p>Will this unlikely team's greatest discovery be happily ever after?</p><p><br></p><p><em>The Naturalist</em>&nbsp;is the engaging first book in The Hapgoods of Bramleigh clean Regency romance series. If you like clever-but-impetuous heroines, dedicated heroes, and humorous romps, you'll adore Christina Dudley's delightful tale.</p>