Nine months ago, Miss Rose Sweetly started a friendly correspondence with Britain’s most infamous advice columnist, Mr. Stephen Shaughnessy. But a virtuous young lady cannot write to a known rake without risking her reputation. That's why she's signed all her letters as “Aldus Grange”—a man who claims to be everything Rose is not: old, male, and white.

Three months ago, Stephen Shaughnessy moved into the house next door. In person, he’s wickedly funny, devilishly flirtatious, and heart-stoppingly handsome—exactly the sort of man that earnest, mathematically-minded Rose should avoid. But as she’s struggling to cut all ties, he writes to “Aldus” for advice…on how to seduce the girl next door.

Rose knows she should walk away—but she can’t let this brazen insult pass. Instead, she vows to bring Mr. Shaughnessy to his knees…any way she can.