Lord Richard Hawkins, "Hawk" to his friends, bored with his rakish entertainments and a bit disgusted with his own behavior, leaves London for a visit with his cousin, the Earl of Wycliff, and his family in the country. There he encounters Lizzie, governess to Wycliff's four children. Lizzie is hiding out in the country hoping not to be recognized for the former debutante that she is, or associated with her on-the-run father. As Lizzie and Hawk spend more time together he begins to suspect that she is more than she claims to be. After a riding accident that injures Lizzie, Hawk becomes even more suspicious, and also concerned for Lizzie's safety, especially given the growing attraction he feels for her. After spending time working for the Home Office, Hawk is inclined to be suspicious of most everything and is convinced that accident was no accident at all and Lizzie is not whom she claims to be. Hawk must decide whether to follow his orders from the Home Office and bring Lizzie in for questioning or listen to his own heart's determination to keep her safe no matter what.

This was a quick, enjoyable read with good romance, some steam, and a bit of intrigue and action. The ending felt a bit rushed, but I really enjoyed this one and would recommend it.

I received a complimentary ARC from the publisher via NetGalley. Thank you! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Lizzie is a governess for the lord of Wycliff's children on his country estate. Hawk, Lord Hawkins is visiting from London. He is very attracted to Lizzie and feels that he knows her but thinks it is impossible as she is a Vicar's daughter. She plays the pianoforte, rides very well and has all the attributes of a well born lady. He becomes suspicious of her after she is nearly killed. He asks for information about her from the Home Office where Hawk has worked. He receives a missive that she is really Lady Elizabeth, the daughter of a man that was arrested for treason and is to be brought to London immediately. She may have helped her father commit treason as well. Hawk plans to take her to his estate to hide until he knows what is going on. He believes her to be innocent. She runs away and he looks for her because not only is she in danger, but he really cares for her. After another attempt on her life, he asks her to marry him and she agrees. He can keep her safe as his wife. They have come to love each other but will she live long enough to be happy? Is she innocent of treason? Who is the traitor who hired someone to kill her? I really loved this book. Callie Hutton never disappoints when telling a story. Loved Hawk and the chemistry between the two main characters. Cam is another friend of Hawks and I look forward to his story. I received this book from Net Galley and Entangled Publishing for a honest review and no compensation otherwise. The opinions expressed are my own.

Another good read by Callie Hutton. The required tall, handsome aristocrat and the capable lady in a tale of danger, mystery and of course, romance. Recommend this for a bit of light reading and relaxation.