Anger consumes Claire Hollybrooke when her father is falsely accused and imprisoned as the infamous jewel thief who steals from the rich. Claire directs her anger at the nobility who shunned her beloved aristocratic mother when she married a scholar. When her mother died, her noble family never acknowledged the fact. Claire believes her grandfather is behind her father's difficulties. Never having met them, Claire obtains a position as lady's companion to her flighty cousin. As a servant, she's invisible and can gather evidence to clear her father.

After secretly working with Bow Street for years, Simon Croft, sixth Earl of Rockford's, latest success is revealing the identity of a high-profile jewel thief. Simon now decides it's time to marry. He accepts a challenge from his friend to mold the first debutante he meets at a ball into the perfect wife. He stumbles upon a spirited young woman who peaks his interest, until she reveals her employment. Simon rejects her suitability and focuses on her charge, Lady Rosabel, who meets his criteria and appears easily malleable to training.

Simon's legendary calm demeanor deserts him upon his frequent meetings with Lady Rosabel's companion. She's argumentative and disdainful of his noble blood. Their spats increase in intensity as they try to hide their emerging feelings for one another. When their secrets and schemes are exposed, they have to decide if they can surrender to love.

Be prepared for an all night read! I could not stop turning pages as Claire scrambled to prove her father's innocence. Ms. Smith writes marvelous scenes of sparring between Claire and Simon, making this tale a perfect balance of suspense and humor.