Ellis Dangerfield has recently learned her life is a lie. Desperate to start afresh, she applies for a position as secretary to a demanding, widowed marquess. Never mind that she must pose as a man to get the job-Ellis is hiding far worse secrets.After losing his wife-and, perhaps more gutting, learning of her unfaithfulness-Roman Garrick has sworn off human connection. To avoid his pain, he buries himself in rebuilding his family's ruined fortunes. When he discovers his brilliant new secretary is actually a woman, he should dismiss her immediately. Instead, he's captivated.Faced with an unwanted and dangerous attraction, Roman and Ellis struggle to maintain their professional relationship while also trying to resist their desires. Neither is willing to compromise the vows they've made to remain emotionally aloof. But when Ellis reveals the truth of her scandalous parentage and a shocking secret from the past surfaces, their chance at happiness hangs in the balance.