Proper Secrets is a love story set in an alternate Europe akin to the Regency England period. Truth and consequences are central to the book, for good and for worse. Emily Worthing is a strong-minded, practical country lady, determined to stay unwed and keep her independence. When the Wingraves move into Reddester Hall, Emily and the rest of the Worthings are challenged to keep their principles as day by day they grow to love a family that won't allow anyone close enough to find out their true purpose.

It takes no time at all for the Wingraves' troubles to follow them to Tripton in the form of Jude Annesley, a disowned man rife with depravity and disorder. Unable to fool Emily with false charm, Jude plots a course of revenge that will strip away all pretense, leaving no secret intact.