As the daughter of a newspaperman, Abigail Shaw shares her love of the written word with her father. When she learns of the decreasing circulation of her father's paper, Abigail plots to restore readership. She needs a scandal that will entice people to buy the paper. Abigail enlists her friend, Lady Gwen, to include her in the Duke of Madingley's house party. He's known as a paragon of virtue. If she can uncover a scandal and write a sensational story, it will ease the financial crisis surrounding the paper. Abigail's difficulty occurs when meeting the Duke of Madingley's family. They are good and decent people whom she likes, especially the duke.

Christopher Cabot, the Duke of Madingley, is hosting a small gathering to introduce his sister to society. Unbeknownst to him, his mother invites several young ladies who'd make wonderful duchesses. It's time for him to marry. Chris' tattered reputation of his youth is forgotten by many as he has reinvented himself as a respected and serious Member of Parliament. Caught by Lady Gwen's friend escaping the clutches of a determined young woman, Chris is caught off guard by her proposition. He can pursue a fake romance with her, which will allow him to look for and choose a perfect wife among his guests.

Chris does not believe Abigail's motives are pure and catches her in several lies. They play cat and mouse while the attraction between them smolders. It does not take long before they're both caught in their own traps. When Chris' secret is exposed, the consequences are devastating to his family and Abigail.

Ms. Callen pens an endearing read in the second of her new series. The characters steamy sexual tension is fun to watch as they grapple with lies between them. Adding to the amusement is a darling elderly spinster who muses about the past and considers her future.

Book Summary

Abigail Shaw is a proper young lady, hardly the sort to boldly offer a deal to London's most distinguished and perfect duke. But Abigail, desperate to save her father's newspaper business, is after a good scandal. She'd have the sensational headlines that would keep the ton talking—and the family business thriving—if only she could uncover the secrets of Christopher Cabot, the Duke of Madingley. What better way than a pretend romance? Yet, with all his seductive glances and stolen caresses, she somehow has to keep from succumbing to temptation.

Christopher finds Abigail—and her proposal—intriguing. A fake romance with the stunning commoner would allow him time to choose a suitable wife from among the would-be duchesses nipping at his heels. It seems like a perfect plan . . . as long as he can keep her from uncovering his one deep, dark secret. But as he falls for the cunning beauty, he will be tempted to reveal all—his secret, his heart, and his soul.