Injured in a carriage accident as a child and left with a
limp and a facial scar, Miss Evie Cole realizes her chance
of marriage is slim. Instead of self-pity, Evie chooses to
devote herself to a secret organization that removes women
and children from dangerous situations. When her family
receives a threat on her life, Evie knows it is another
attempt by her well-meaning family to lure her into
marriage. A warning letter, followed by an attempt on her
life with a gentleman riding to her rescue, is just the
plan her family would concoct.
James McAlistair, former assassin, resides at his friend's
estate. His sordid past haunts him and he wanders the
estate in shadows. James' infrequent sightings and his
scowling have earned him the nickname "Hermit of Haldon."
The one sliver of light in his world is the laughter he
heard 10 years ago from the young Evie. He fantasizes about
the young woman whose laughter captured his imagination.
When Evie's life is in peril, James agrees to come out of
seclusion to protect her.
Evie plays along, enjoying the adventure, especially when
her guard is the darkly handsome and mysterious McAlistair.
Riding through the countryside on horseback, they share a
kiss that promises more, but James shies away. Evie brings
joy and laughter to his life, but he dare not cloud her
life with his darkness. As the killer closes in, James
battles for Evie's safety, while she fights for his love.
Ms. Johnson brings together a spirited and original heroine
determined to pave her own path and a hero who provides the
adventure of a lifetime while contending with their
differences in social station and his past. It's an
engaging romance that will send readers to Ms. Johnson's
backlist for other exciting reads.
To Miss Evie Cole, ignorance was never bliss. That
principle had driven her to become quite adept at a most
unladylike pursuit—eavesdropping. And it was while honing
this skill that she heard her guardians’ elaborate scheme
to find her a husband. Too bad she’d vowed never to marry.
At least she knew the peril they were planning to help
entrap her was only pretend.
What she didn’t hear would change everything. James
McAlistair wasn’t supposed to be part of the bargain. Not
only was the retired assassin dark, silent and
intimidating, but Evie also happened to know from an
accidental encounter on a warm, moon-drenched night that
the man was an exceptional kisser. Now the danger was
real. Because now Evie might fall in love.