"Prince Nikolai of Holtswig hasnt been back to London since his failed almost-arranged marriage. Hes returned with one purpose: stay out of trouble until the unrest in his country dies down. But his plans are interrupted when he survives an assassination attempt at the social seasons first ball. The British government offers him a deal: if he gets engaged to an English girl, they can offer him protection through her. Niki isnt interested-until they suggest his childhood friend and the sister of the woman he was meant to marry, Lady Roberta Ashton. Shes clearly grown up since they last met, and since Nikis always found Roberta fascinating, hell take any excuse he can to spend more time with her. Lady Roberta remembers Niki from previous summers together. As a child, she couldnt help but be infatuated with him, even though she wondered if he was arrogant or simply shy.

The season has gotten rather dull, and faking an engagement would be a source of the entertainment she craves. And the ruse would allow Roberta to finally find out who the dashing prince really is before he leaves the country in 3 months. After all, shed never actually fall for someone like him. But as the threats increase, Roberta and Niki grow closer. And fate often overturns the best laid plans. If they can survive the assassin and solve the mystery, will their supposedly pretend feelings prove to be true and real enough to last?"-- Provided by publisher.