Lady Fiona Hollingsworth has lost her mother, her fiancé, her father and then the family fortune within the last 16 months. Now, she receives a ransom demand for her brother from bandits in Spain. With no one to aid her, Fiona decides to ask a wealthy Cit to marry her for her pedigree. Her beauty and breeding are the only worldly possessions she has left to offer. Fiona expects a marriage-of- convenience and is unprepared for the passion that flares between her and her husband.

Nicholas Birmingham's father demanded perfection from his son. He wished for Nicholas to fulfill his dreams of entering the aristocracy and becoming a gentleman. Nicholas has succeeded in the world of finance but has yet to be accepted into society. The proposal the beautiful Lady Fiona offers will enrich both his finances and his standing within the Ton. He acknowledges the passion between them, but his pride will not let him open his heart to her.

Fiona and Nicholas forge a friendship that develops into love, but each harbors jealousy, which threatens to disrupt their budding relationship. However, at Christmas with their families, Fiona and Nicholas discover the power of love and forgiveness.

In this sequel to THE COUNTERFEIT COUNTESS, Bolen spins a delightful marriage-of-convenience tale. The love scenes sizzle and the characters, with all their vulnerabilities, will quickly capture the reader's heart.