Hugh Gavenor, Bear, is retired from his military career. He now buys, restores, and resells old or abandoned estates. While restoring his latest property, Bear is living in a cottage on estate grounds. Rosa Neatham and her ailing father lived in the cottage for years, but were callously evicted and their belongings confiscated by the agent who sold the estate to Bear. Bear startles her as she clips roses from his yard. Learning of their predicament, he lets Rosa and her father live in the cottage, with him. There are already scandalous rumors about the “tawdry” past of the Neatham family. Now there are more. The solution? A marriage of convenience for Bear and Rosa. Will it work? Can it lead to more? This is the second story in the Lion’s Zoo series. Bear served with Colonel Lionel O’Toole, Lion. Bear and Rosa have rocky but wonderful story. Both of these characters are strong, resilient, and caring. There is drama, danger, scurrilous villains, misunderstandings, and reconciliation. An interesting story, great characters, and a happy ending. I look forward to the next story in the series. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.