A gentleman marked by a scandal. A lady haunted by a secret. Once upon a time, they were in love, then everything went wrong.

Mr. Daniel Hallsworth lost his title and was driven out of England by claims of his illegitimacy. Now he's returned to reclaim his title and his family's reputation, which requires marrying a virtuous lady. He has his sights set on the woman he once loved. If only the lady would graciously accept his proposal

Lady Emme Radcliffe made a mistake that could destroy her family. To hide it, she's withdrawn from society and dedicated herself to spinsterhood. Now the man she's loved for ages has returned with an offer of marriage, but accepting it means risking her secret. If only the gentleman would kindly stop being such a temptation.

With their own match an impossibility, Daniel needs Emme's assistance to find a suitable wife, and she needs his help to thwart her father's matchmaking. But each moment together brings them to the brink of passion, and every stolen kiss brings them one step closer to ruin.