With five older brothers who scare away any suitors that brave their doorstep, Jewel Crowley has relinquished her dream of marrying and having children. Instead, she concentrates on growing her beautiful roses and caring for her brothers and father. When Eli Grayson appears at her door begging a favor, Jewel cannot deny him. She has loved Eli and had schoolgirl fantasies about him since she was 14. Jewel knows she cannot trust her heart to the man who's known as the Colored Casanova of Cass County, but she can enjoy being in his company.

Eli Grayson is a charming rascal and makes no pretense about it. When he was younger, he loved women and alcohol, taking no responsibility for his actions. Eli went as far as sleeping with his cousin's wife. He lost his family and self-respect for that shameful episode. It took several years before he regained his family's trust. Running a newspaper in the black town settled by free slaves, Eli believes he can contribute to the black cause. One obstacle stands in his way. The out-of-town financier refuses to trust a bachelor.

Eli talks Jewel into pretending to be his wife during a business meeting. It explodes in his face when they are exposed by the town gossip. They marry in haste, but soon see that their marriage has a chance. That likelihood significantly decreases when Cecile, his cousin's ex-wife, appears ready to cause trouble.

Bringing together two characters from her earlier book, VIVID, Ms. Jenkins writes a marriage-of-convenience with a new twist. She seamlessly weaves fascinating black history facts regarding black hero David Walker and the importance of the Black Press into the story. It gives added drama as the beginning of separate-but-equal doctrine swirls around Jewel and Eli.