When Vernon Crisp needs a date for a prestigious party at the five-star hotel where he works, he does the only thing left for a middle-aged man living on his own. He logs on to an internet dating agency. There, for the first time, he sees Mia. Vernon is smitten.
Mia Kimber is a very attractive 49-year old woman whose profile on the dating site is not completely true. She is not a widow, but still married to Barry Kimber, who is in a private nursing home suffering from the after-effects of a stroke. He once ruled his South London manor with an iron fist and made a fortune from his illicit trade in drugs.
With Barry on his last legs, a power struggle develops over who will take control of the 'Special K' gang. This is headed by James and Mark Kimber- Barry's sons and Mia's stepsons.
But it soon becomes clear that the brothers are out of their depth-and James's noticeable dislike for Mia doesn't help matters.
Meanwhile Vernon and Mia fall in love. She has never met anyone like Vernon before: a gentleman who treats her right: someone who tells her the things she's longed to hear: someone who is kind and generous and doesn't take himself too seriously: someone who is not just after a trophy wife: and someone with whom she feels completely at ease.
But Vernon has secrets too. He has his own demons to contend with and his demons just might save both their lives.