As the daughter of a newspaperman, Abigail Shaw shares her love of the written word with her father. When she learns of the decreasing circulation of her father's paper, Abigail plots to restore readership. She needs a scandal that will entice people to buy the paper. Abigail enlists her friend, Lady Gwen, to include her in the Duke of Madingley's house party. He's known as a paragon of virtue. If she can uncover a scandal and write a sensational story, it will ease the financial crisis surrounding the paper. Abigail's difficulty occurs when meeting the Duke of Madingley's family. They are good and decent people whom she likes, especially the duke.

Christopher Cabot, the Duke of Madingley, is hosting a small gathering to introduce his sister to society. Unbeknownst to him, his mother invites several young ladies who'd make wonderful duchesses. It's time for him to marry. Chris' tattered reputation of his youth is forgotten by many as he has reinvented himself as a respected and serious Member of Parliament. Caught by Lady Gwen's friend escaping the clutches of a determined young woman, Chris is caught off guard by her proposition. He can pursue a fake romance with her, which will allow him to look for and choose a perfect wife among his guests.

Chris does not believe Abigail's motives are pure and catches her in several lies. They play cat and mouse while the attraction between them smolders. It does not take long before they're both caught in their own traps. When Chris' secret is exposed, the consequences are devastating to his family and Abigail.

Ms. Callen pens an endearing read in the second of her new series. The characters steamy sexual tension is fun to watch as they grapple with lies between them. Adding to the amusement is a darling elderly spinster who muses about the past and considers her future.