Thea is a "ruined" woman helping her sister*, Helen, by pretending to be her, while the real Helen sneaks away to marry her true love. Rafe is an Earl with a terrible reputation and a widower who must remarry to inherit a fortune which he intends to use to start a business. 

Rafe proposes to "Helen," knowing all along she's actually Thea, planning to dissolve the false union once the funds are secure. Thea doesn't know that he knows. 

As their fake marriage progresses, Rafe is exposed to the truth of Thea's "ruination" and Thea is, in turn, exposed to the truth behind the lies that earned Rafe his reputation. Feelings between them start early, even as the lies continue, and their mutual guilt turns this story into a delicious slow burn. I never once found myself angry at either of them for their lies and I am not a big fan of secrets lasting as long as they do in this book. 

Every trope and micro trope featured in this story is executed to perfection: Marriage of convenience; Fake marriage; “Ruined” woman; Widower; Reluctant peer; Forced proximity; False identities; Revenge; a truly magnificent Grand Gesture; and more.

Thea is a magnificent FMC (like all of Vincy's). She's been treated abominably by most of her friends and her family (including the *sister* who starts all of this off) yet somehow remains loyal and kind. There is a scene early in the story during which Rafe is reflecting to himself about Thea's quiet and invisible strength. It's a very moving moment, there are lots of very moving moments in the book TBH.

Rafe has a lot of secrets, shame, and sadness but through all that has created a safe and loving home for himself, his friends, and his staff. The secondary characters and side stories in this novel are lovely. 

The plots is absolutely bonkers and I hardly noticed, too swept up in the story. 

Mia Vincy is spectacular at writing romance and we need more books from her.