Taking place thirteen years after the first novel, the story follows a Major who is set to a become a Earl and his new secretary who happens to not only be the opposing heir to the earldom but also come from a notorious smuggling clan... who has his own motives for wanting to be in the manor, that's not even taking into account the undeniable chemistry between the both of them. Major Rufus d'Aumesty never really expected to become the Earl of Oxney, but now finds himself fighting for the title against his vile uncle who has done everything to try and deny him the title, including bringing in a potential other heir... by the name of Luke Doomsday, a man from a notorious smuggling clan. Rufus's uncle thought he was bringing in a bastard son that would deny Rufus of his right to become earl, but what he didnt realize that he was bringing in another potential claimer for the title of earl, someone who they believe Rufus's other uncle married a serving girl who had later had a bastard child by another man, making said bastard child still a legal contender to be recognized as the heir to the earldom. Rufus and Luke were meant to be enemies but find that they make rather good friends and Rufus hires Luke to be his secretary while they try and sort out the true heir to be earl, yet Luke has his own reasons for wanting to be at the Oxney manor, and that includes trying to search for something hidden in the manor. The closer Rufus and Luke become the more they can't deny the sexual tension between both of them and the growing feelings, yet Luke's lies and secrets could ruin his chance at a treasure greater than what he could have ever imagined he would find, love. This one was definitely a slower paced one and less plot heavy compared to the first book. This one takes place after the first one and involves the side character in the first book and we still get to see the couple from the first book but now time skipped forward for them. This one is a pretty simple plot and wasn't as interesting if I'm being honest, but it was an overall fun read. It definitely leaned in on the "family drama" in this one and I did love Rufus, he's a lovable grump and the romance was nice. I wish there was a bit more to Luke because we get to see and fall for Rufus, but Luke, was a bit harder to actually like. Overall, it was a nice read and the I did have fun reading it, the family drama was heavy and the trauma healing was nice, the romance itself was slower but sweet overall.

*Thanks Netgalley and SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca, Sourcebooks Casablanca for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*