Returning to her father's home after 10 years at a convent, Kathryn de St. Marie prepares to choose her suitor from a group of young men gathered at the keep. One knight catches her fancy at the celebration her father holds. As she gets her first kiss from the young man, Scottish barbarians storm the keep, taking her hostage. Fleeing with her into the night, the Scots are caught off guard and Kathryn finds herself captured by a Saxon lord.

Edric of Braxton Fell, a Saxon who kept his lands by marrying a cold Norman witch, cannot wait until his wife gives birth to his son. He will send her packing to a convent, hoping never to hear her cruel tongue again. His wife's dowry has kept his people from starving, but the harvest is poor and another bad winter will test their resolve. Frustrated by his lack of progress on his lands, he uses his anger against Scots barbarians and rescues a woman. She's definitely a Norman, not a Saxon, and she refuses to acknowledge her background.

Kathryn realizes her family will not welcome her home after being held prisoner. Her mother has repeatedly told her that a noble woman, if captured, kills herself. Kathryn begs for permission to stay at Edric's holding as a servant. Granting her request, Edric lets her care for his newborn son since his wife died in childbirth while he was away. Attraction grows between them, but Edric wants nothing to do with another Norman. It's up to Kathryn to change his mind.

THE PERFECT SEDUCTION realistically captures the hardship of medieval times. Ms. Maguire's characters come to life as they battle for survival in the harsh environment. Upon finishing the tale, readers will long for the story of Kathryn's sister, Isabel.