The story opens on a snowy night in London, as Oliver discovers a woman and young girl huddling in a doorway. Something compels him to offer his help, and he drives them to a town an hour away. They are clearly well-bred but poor, and the woman looks like she's been on the receiving end of trouble. However, the expression in the girl's eyes stayed with him and made him think about his life.

Six years later, that young girl, Esther, is about to make her debut. After a difficult childhood and her mother's death, her aunt and uncle took her in. After the things she experienced, Esther intends to find a steady, responsible man to marry. Lord Alberton seems the perfect candidate - young, handsome, and well-versed in Society's rules. So why is she drawn to Oliver Moreland, a man known for disdaining those same rules?

Esther immediately recognizes Oliver as the man who had rescued her and her mother. He's older and harder, and she knows she should avoid him. Oliver is also drawn to Esther but does not immediately recognize her. He knows she is familiar, but why? I enjoyed their brief encounter at the ball and their forthright conversation. They part ways, with Esther returning to the ballroom and spending more time with Lord Alberton. Oliver leaves the ball, unable to put Esther out of his mind, and finally places her.

I enjoyed seeing the relationship between Esther and Oliver develop. The sparks fly with each encounter, but both try to resist. Esther is determined to stick to her plan, pushed along toward Lord Alberton by her aunt. Oliver knows that a man with his reputation isn't what Esther needs, so he tries to stay away from her. Their connection won't be denied, and I liked how they spoke honestly to each other. Then Lord Alberton shows his true colors during a house party at his home, leaving Esther questioning her decision.

Esther and Oliver spend a fair amount of time thinking about why they can't be together. I ached for Oliver, who could only see the worst of himself. In the years since he rescued Esther and her mother, he made significant changes in his life but kept those under wraps. We get a look at Oliver's family life and get an idea of the impact it had on who he became, with some interesting developments at the end. Esther frequently frustrated me with how wrapped up she was with the rules and how they kept her from being herself. When Esther's past becomes public, who comes through for her - the rake or the gentleman? I liked the ending and seeing how being honest with each other brings them more than they dreamed of.

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