Newly arrived in Mayfair, writer Jack Bastin becomes the darling of high society after catapulting to fame with the success of his first novel. Charismatic, enigmatic, and independently wealthy, Jack appears to live the carefree life of a notorious rake and celebrated author. But beneath this façade lies an artist haunted by a painful past and crippled by a desire for vengeance against the man who wronged him as a boy. Jack plots revenge while hiding his true identity and living a life that leaves him detached and wholly unprepared for the muse who steps into his path.

Ottilie Hamilton, a mathematics instructor and founding faculty member of Canterbury Ladies’ College in Kent, relishes her independence and is committed to her cause of furthering higher education for women in England. Nonetheless, Lady Hudsyn is determined to see her wayward niece married and schemes to find Ottilie a suitable husband during her visit at the tail-end of the season. But the only gentleman Ottilie wants to meet while in London is the notorious novelist Jack Bastin—not because he is the most attractive man she has ever seen, but because she hopes to enlist him for her cause.

Ottilie garners an introduction to Jack via her cousin, and their mutual attraction blossoms, giving way to the possibility of love—until the past collides with the present and plays havoc with their trust and future happiness.

Will the past pull them apart, or will it bring them together?