Alex, a man with a dark and hidden past, is determined to marry a woman with property and set himself up for a legacy. After blackmailing a gambling buddy into introducing him to an heiress, Alex’s plans are thrown off course when he meets Laura (they have a fantastic and meaningful meet cute btw), the heiress’s childhood friend. 

Laura has plans to revive the family business and is being thwarted by a corrupt lawyer who uses Laura’s brother’s invalidity to excuse his behavior. Her strength and secret pain combine to make her one of the most interesting women I’ve read this year. She has excellent eldest daughter energy. 

Forced to spend time together when the heiress insists Laura ask as chaperone/companion, they share secrets, dreams, and plans. 

Then an accident puts Laura in a compromising position and Alex returns to do the honorable thing, for convenience of course. 

After they wed, Alex and Laura take steps to rebuild the family business and in turn start to build their relationship and whew, Matthews writes the hottest closed door romances. 

This whole series is outstanding. And the connections, reunions, and found families make each installment a must read.