Lady Anne Worthington, an English countess and brilliant inventor, has traded London society for a fresh start in Texas. Living at the grand Crazy Water Hotel, she tinkers with gadgets, courts the whisper of romance with a Texas Ranger, and battles small-town rumors that see her as aloof. But when the night explodes in smoke and flames, survival becomes her biggest concern.

Trapped behind a door purposely jammed shut, Lady Anne barely escapes the inferno with her life. Amid the smoldering ruins, the body of the missing fire chief is found, leaving the town wondering, was it a tragic accident, or did someone use the blaze to cover cold-blooded murder?

With the town founders quick to dismiss her suspicions, Lady Anne teams up with Ranger Ty Steffanelli to unearth the truth buried beneath smoke, ashes, and small-town secrets. But every clue sparks new dangers, and every ally might be hiding their own matchbook.

Can she uncover the truth before the fire consumes everything she holds dear? Or will the flames of deception burn away her chance at belonging?