Charlotte Burton's life in Charleston, South Carolina, has been torn apart by war and her father's mounting debts. Desperate for help, she crosses the ocean, braving the British blockade and the city of London to beg her dearest family friend, Cade Pettigru, to help her. But her meeting with Cade doesn't go as planned. After an exchange of pistol fire with two British agents, her most trusted friend leaves Charlotte alone to face the whims of the enemy.
Freddie, Lord Dewhurst, has been tracking the spy Cade Pettigru for months. But this time, when Pettigru escapes, he leaves behind a copper-haired, fiery American beauty whom Freddie hopes to use to lure the man into the open. He gives Charlotte no choice but to play his bride in public, though privately he knows he should be mortified to be paired with such an unfashionable colonist. And yet, he can't resist her independent spirit and sense of loyalty (misguided as it might be).
As Freddie and Charlotte struggle to convince others their sham marriage is real, the attraction between them ignites. Behind closed doors, they throw etiquette to the wind and give in to temptation, but once the truth is out, will love be enough for these enemies to call a truce?
