Destitute after the death of her beloved Papa, Carmela is miserable working as Nanny to the brattish children of the local vicar. So when her closest friend Felicity asks her to take her place in the home of her guardian, the dictatorial Earl of Galeston, she nervously agrees.

The subterfuge is necessary to ensure Felicity can marry the love of her life – and possible firstly because none of Felicity's feuding family have set eyes on her since she was a child... And secondly because both young women are blue-eyed, blonde and beautiful.

The Earl's ancestral home is awe-inspiring – but it is the Earl himself who makes the greatest impression on Carmela. Growing to appreciate the profound kindness behind his steely façade, she falls deeply, utterly in love... But can true love live when it's based on a lie?

The Earl finds the answer in his heart when Carmela's life – and any hope of love – is at stake...