It's 1817. Theo, Earl of Evedon is taking part in a bet having been accused of insufferable arrogance by his friends. Determined to prove them wrong while travelling incognito he is set upon by robbers outside a disreputable tavern by the Liverpool docks.Annabel Sherborne is an America heiress. Se doesn't want to be in England, but feels obliged to escort her prettier younger sister to have a London season and hopefully gain a suitable husband. Finding one herself is the last thing she wants to do.Arriving off the ship, seeing a young man set upon by robbers and beaten she attempts to come to his aid but accidentally shoots him instead. It is not an auspicious start to a relationship. She thinks he is a poor man and he believes she is a maidservant and tries to buy her off.From Liverpool goal to the ballrooms of London, Annabel and Theo fight and refuse to compromise. Could impetuous Annabel be more conciliatory, and can Theo accept there are some things he has to change if there is ever to be a happy ending?Seeped in the period, this novel cannot help to amuse, but also tug at the heartstrings.