After a disastrous Almack's debut, bookish and clumsy Gwendolen Price is determined to improve her reputation and make her parents proud. The Viscount Somerton, her brother's friend and one of Society's most eligible bachelors, offers to help her, and she's certain his attention will increase her standing-even though he's exactly the kind of rake she has vowed to avoid.

Lazarus Rowe, the eminently unserious and dashingly handsome Viscount Somerton, has spent a lifetime hiding his shameful secret: he simply cannot read well. With a speech to Parliament looming, he's desperate to remedy this deficiency. The chance to help his friend's hopelessly bluestocking sister seems the perfect trade-his presence as her devoted escort in exchange for her help as his tutor.

As sparks fly between them with every lesson, Gwen refuses to fall for a rogue while Lazarus, begins to reconsider his rakish ways. When a woman from his recent past makes a shocking revelation, Lazarus fears all is lost. Will Gwen retreat to the safety of her books, or do she and this almost-redeemed rake have a chance at a real life happily ever after?