American heiress Lillian Bowman's blunt and outspoken ways lands her in trouble with the tradition-loving English. Relegated to the sidelines, she joins forces with the other wallflowers to ensnare a husband. Lillian's irreverence for rules and her lack of decorum have come to the attention of Lord Westcliff. Lillian cringes under his disdain, but she refuses to back down from the ill-spirited aristocrat. Staying at his country home while her father conducts business with Lord Westcliff, Lillian continues to run afoul of him.

Well-known for his exacting standards and proper behavior, Marcus (Lord Westcliff), winces at the thought of entertaining the newly rich Bowman family, especially their brazen daughter, Lillian. At 35, Marcus plans to wed a nice, shy, modest English girl with a pedigree. Why his thoughts continue to torment him on the inappropriate American girl can only be the challenge she presents.

Their sparring entertains the guests at Marcus' estate with the exception of his mother. Under no circumstances will she allow her son to befoul their noble lineage with such trash. As Marcus and Lillian's attraction becomes undeniable, the threat to Lillian grows.

Kleypas' beautifully constructed story sparkles with hijinks and witty repartee. Readers will be unable to put down this riveting story as Lillian and Marcus' antics entertain well into the night.