Fionna Hawkes loves wandering her neighborhood streets in the dark where she draws inspiration for the sinister and moody books she writes. Fionna maintains her anonymity by writing under the pen name E.J. Sparrow. The popularity of her books is growing, which allows her to earn enough money for her needs and those of her ill mother. Fionna's mother suffers from a debilitating mental illness that requires Fionna to put her in a private sanatorium. By day, Fionna is the spinster bookstore owner who does not garner any attention, until a handsome man interrupts one of her nightly forays.

Walking home late at night from his brother's, Aidan McBride sees a lone woman he thinks needs help. Instead, the woman accosts him with her parasol. Aidan doesn't know whether to be angry or amused. Since his return from the Indian campaign, amusement has been in short supply. Aidan's guilt and shame over a battle with few survivors continues to haunt him day and night. This parasol- attacking woman could provide the relief he needs in his life.

Aidan begins a campaign of seduction with the prickly Fionna, who refuses to acknowledge her feelings and is elusive to his advances. A master strategist in war, Aidan does not give up the battle. He realizes she feels safe with him, but Fionna never lets down her guard. If he wants to succeed, Aidan must uncover her secrets and gain her trust.

Ms. James delivers a moving tale involving two characters hardened by their experiences. Having not expected to find love, they battle one another (and themselves) as they struggle to let go of the past and embrace the future. Ms. James gives readers an extra treat, as she begins each chapter with a chilling excerpt from Fionna's paranormal novel.

Book Summary

Seduction is something Fionna Hawkes knows nothing about. So when she encounters a sexy stranger on a moonlit street, her first instinct is to defend herself against her darkly handsome suitor. But letting go of suspicion and allowing herself to fall for Lord Aidan McBride brings even greater danger. In his eyes, she glimpses a powerful passion she longs to fulfill. In his arms, she aches with the secret she longs to unburden. A secret that could cost her livelihood—and her life.

Aidan McBride could never resist a mystery, especially one as mesmerizing as the lovely Miss Hawkes! Drawing her into the shelter of his embrace, he won’t rest until he convinces her to reveal everything. Braving the danger that stalks Fionna at every turn, Aidan is determined to defend her—and just as determined to claim her as his own.