Injured in a carriage accident as a child and left with a limp and a facial scar, Miss Evie Cole realizes her chance of marriage is slim. Instead of self-pity, Evie chooses to devote herself to a secret organization that removes women and children from dangerous situations. When her family receives a threat on her life, Evie knows it is another attempt by her well-meaning family to lure her into marriage. A warning letter, followed by an attempt on her life with a gentleman riding to her rescue, is just the plan her family would concoct.

James McAlistair, former assassin, resides at his friend's estate. His sordid past haunts him and he wanders the estate in shadows. James' infrequent sightings and his scowling have earned him the nickname "Hermit of Haldon." The one sliver of light in his world is the laughter he heard 10 years ago from the young Evie. He fantasizes about the young woman whose laughter captured his imagination. When Evie's life is in peril, James agrees to come out of seclusion to protect her.

Evie plays along, enjoying the adventure, especially when her guard is the darkly handsome and mysterious McAlistair. Riding through the countryside on horseback, they share a kiss that promises more, but James shies away. Evie brings joy and laughter to his life, but he dare not cloud her life with his darkness. As the killer closes in, James battles for Evie's safety, while she fights for his love.

Ms. Johnson brings together a spirited and original heroine determined to pave her own path and a hero who provides the adventure of a lifetime while contending with their differences in social station and his past. It's an engaging romance that will send readers to Ms. Johnson's backlist for other exciting reads.