Miss Xanthia Neville misses her home in Barbados where she ran her family's shipping company. In London, the chilly weather permeates to her bones. If society were not so strict, Xanthia would take a lover to warm her on these cold nights. But she must conform and not invite censure to her wonderful English cousins. Already, Xanthia tempts fate by secretly working in her business on the London docks. Work challenges her and is an integral part of her. She absorbs the energy from the different cultures and people who arrive at the harbor. If society learns of her occupation, they would destroy her cousins' reputations.

Lord Stefan Nash resides on the fringes of society. The English nobility distrust anyone who is different. Stefan's father was English, but his mother was Russian. Society eyes him with suspicion that he ignores. He led an adventurous childhood with his parents roaming Europe, until his father unexpectedly inherited his brother's title. His simple life ended and when Stefan then inherited the title, he assumed the burden it entailed. Stefan fulfills his obligations, but lashes out by living a hedonistic life.

Stefan encounters Xanthia in a dark garden and her rare qualities appeal to him. After a passionate encounter, he pursues her. Xanthia is equally attracted. When the Home Office approaches her to spy on Stefan, she agrees, knowing that he's innocent of the charges. Stefan would not commit treason, so she will prove his innocence.

Liz Carlyle begins a new historical series with a beguiling story filled with intrigue, as well as characters with deliciously wicked manners, in and out of the bedroom. Ms. Carlyle adds to the suspense by leaving readers dangling as to the fate of other characters in her enticing Neville Family trilogy.